Commissioners Response to Panels Report

Mr B Adams
Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel

Date: 22 October 2024

Dear Mr Adams

Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel – 30 September 2024 - Consideration of Police and Crime Plan 2024/28

In accordance with Section 28(3) of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, I am writing on behalf of the Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel to formally report to you their views on your Police and Crime Plan following consideration of its contents at the Panel’s public meeting on 30 September 2024.

I summarise below the main points of interest and concerns as discussed by the Panel. The minutes of the meeting which are on the Panels website provide a summary of the complete discussion which was wide ranging and covered issues which also fell under your Annual Report and the Fire and Rescue Plan. Agenda for Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel on Monday 30th September 2024, 10:00am - Staffordshire County Council.

You introduced your report which provided the Panel with an update on the draft Police and Crime Plan covering the period 2024 – 2028 which was currently out for consultation. Your report summarised the consultation process which also covered consultation on the Fire and Rescue Plan.

The Panel was mindful that the plan did not direct service operations, but informed members that the Chief Constable had been consulted and took the plans into account when planning the delivery of the service.

During the discussion, the following areas were considered specifically relating to the plan:

Knife crime was highlighted as a concern to the public. You informed the panel that a large proportion of incidents were domestic and not attacks on strangers in the street, however perception was an issue in some communities.

The ongoing Anti-Social Behaviour pilot which involved wardens with increased powers working with police was discussed. The Panel were interested in the approach and would like to see the results of the pilot when it had been evaluated.

Police officer attendance at local resident meetings was raised as a way of connecting with the public and gaining and sharing information.

The consultation timeline and public responses to date were noted. Some members reported that they did not recall receiving information on the consultation and had struggled to find it on social media. They noted that you agreed to look at this before the end of the consultation period.

The Panel thanked you for your report and noted both the draft Police and Crime Plan and the consultation process. This letter will be published on the Panels website.

Yours sincerely

Bernard Peters

Chairman – Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel