Minutes:
The Mayor welcomed Chief Superintendent Chris
Truscott, Divisional Camp Commander for the Western Division and Superintendent
Eve Davies, who gave a remote presentation to Council on the current position
for South Wales Police.
Members praised the professionalism and
expertise within the force over the last eighteen months and commented that
technology such as facial recognition and I.T. applications will potentially
lead to cost savings.
Members asked for reassurance that prevention
work and rapid response will still be carried out in relation to anti-social
behaviour, given the current resource pressures. Chief Superintendent Truscott
confirmed that anti-social behaviour was a high priority and despite funding
pressures the force is committed to neighbourhood policing and investment
continues in relation to PCSO’s. A commitment was made that teams will continue
to work proactively with all partners and members to solve problems that are
impacting on local communities
Members commented on the outstanding efforts of
South Wales Police to tackle substance misuse and serious and organised crime.
Members asked what additional measures could be taken to address substance use
and the extent of South Wales Police engagement with the recently established
Western Bay Drug Commission. Chief Superintendent Truscott acknowledged that anti-social
behaviour and substance misuse were linked and continued to be a concern.
Although enforcement would still be carried out for those who cause the highest
level of harm there is also a need for partnership work in relation to
educating young people. Superintendent Eve Davies gave an overview of Project
Adder.
Members asked for information relating to media
reports of plans to restrict responses to certain types of incidents and asked
if any restrictions would be imposed locally, especially in relation to
vulnerable people in crisis. Chief Superintendent Truscott outlined the Right
Care Right Person programme, which has been adopted nationally and is being
implemented across England and Wales. Work is ongoing in relation to the
practicalities of the programme and a number of partner engagement events are
taking place. Priority will always be given to people who are in significant
and immediate crisis but it was noted that in certain situations, where no
immediate threat to life was present, other partners may be best placed to
attend. Clear understanding of each partner organisations responsibilities will
be needed. The initial roll out is planned in the New Year/spring 2024.
Members outlined the recent issues at Baglan
Energy Plant and stressed the importance of monthly meetings between
Councillors and police to resolve any issues.
Members commented that many residents have lost
confidence in calling the police and asked if data is available regarding the
onward progression of reported crimes. Chief Superintendent Truscott, gave
reassurance that previous issues regarding phone call handling had improved but
acknowledged that more work is needed in neighbourhood policing to regain
public confidence. Data on incoming
call handling and response proportion is available.
Members made reference to the inadequate police
response to the public disturbances that took place in Mayhill, Swansea and
asked whether this could happen again. Chief Superintendent Truscott
acknowledged that the force had learnt lessons from the Mayhill incident and
recommendations from the independent review had been actioned. These
recommendations were tested during a similar public disturbance in Ely and had
worked well.
Members questioned whether there would be any
changes to the precept this year. Chief Superintendent Truscott was unable to
comment but following consultations with the Police and Crime commissioner,
members will be updated of any changes.
Members expressed frustration regarding police
reluctance to intervene in neighbour disputes and the high incidences of
on-road and off-road motorbike nuisance and questioned whether drones could be
used to help address this particular issue.
Members commented on the shift pattern of the
PCSO’s in the Afan Valley; current shift patterns do not provide adequate
cover. Chief Superintendent Truscott will ensure the shift patterns are
reviewed but gave assurances that other neighbourhood policing teams are
available to respond to any urgent incidents.
The Cabinet member for Housing and Community
Safety thanked Chief Superintendent Chris Truscott and Superintendent Eve
Davies for their presentation and detailed responses to member’s questions.