Agenda item

Members will receive a presentation and update, as well as taking into account the effect of Covid-19.  For reference, the link to the Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2019 is shown below. 

Folkestone-Hythe-Community-Safety-Partnership-Plan-2019-20/pdf

This Committee, as part of its terms of reference, acts as the Council’s Crime and Disorder Committee and has an obligation to meet for that purpose once a year.  In this respect a presentation was given to members, introduced by Councillor Mrs Jenny Hollingsbee.  She also introduced and gave sincere thanks to all officers and partners of the Community Safety Partnership.

The proposal is to now go forward with a three year Community Safety Partnership Plan which would be reviewed annually for 2021- 2024.  

The presentation is attached to these minutes along with the 2020/21 Community Safety Partnership Plan.

Mr Ewan Green, Director of Place, introduced himself to members, he went on to say there have been many challenges faced since lockdown culminating in excellent outcomes. 

Mrs Jess Harman, Community Safety Specialist, started the presentation and explained to members the role of the Community Safety Partnership and how this feeds into the County Community Safety agreement.  Sub-groups also form part of the CSP, and Mrs Harman went through who leads these. 

As the lead for the Crime & Community Resilience and the Serious and Organised Crime Group, Inspector Any Brittenden talked to members about some of the work carried out; track and trace targeting repeat offenders; seizure of vehicles to disrupt further crime; funding secured for targeting county lines and dangerous weapons; test purchasing; targeting hate crime and domestic abuse. 

He also mentioned the work carried out by the Civil Nuclear Constabulary who can provide valuable assistance at scenes of violence and emergency situations.  Customer engagement is important and he advised of the uplift in town centre constables. 

Rebekah Button, spoke next, with regard to the Safeguarding and Supporting Vulnerable People Sub Group.  Rebekah is the KCC lead for this group.  This group looks at raising awareness of vulnerable adults and young people’s safety.  This group works closely with CSP, Kent Police and the Violence Reduction Unit. 

Caley Walden, Violence Reduction Unit Co-ordinator for Ashford, Folkestone and Dover, gave information to members on the work this unit carries out giving examples such as: Supporting youths, ensuring communities feel safe, intelligence profiling and test purchasing.  Recent test purchasing for knives was carried out which raises awareness.  

The Violence Reduction Unit is a new initiative funded by the Home Office.  

Members noted the following:

·         Traffic offences, there seemed to be an increased in speeding cars since lockdown.  Insp. Brittenden advised all referrals are followed up.  Members were reminded of Community Speed Watch. 

·         Anti-social behaviour incidences have increased since lockdown, reference was made to the incident at Greatstone and how this can be controlled in future. 

·         Local immigration priorities and resourcing.  Understandably this is a very emotive issue, however actions are taken by Border Force and the Home Office.  Kent Police are involved with regard to welfare processes and procedures.  

·         Local Engagement Meetings (LEM) were an excellent success and these have continued as Virtual Engagement Meetings (VEM).  It was recognised that these provide good interaction however, resuming face to face meetings would be preferable. 

·         Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), a review is due in June 2021, followed by a consultation and new PSPO plan.  Members were advised that the current PSPO is working well.  

Overall members agreed that moving to a three year CSP plan is a good idea as it gives longevity although annual reviews would be undertaken.  They also thanked officers and partners for the work carried out. 

Mrs Harman was very grateful for the praise she, fellow officers, partners and Councillor Mrs Hollingsbee had received with regard to the work they do within the community.