Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update on Police performance from Chief Inspector Scott-Haines.

Chief Inspector (CI) Steve Scott-Haynes addressed the Committee and drew Members’ attention to the Essex Police Performance Summary report, appended to Agenda Item 7 - Maldon District Community Safety Partnership Update.

CI Scott-Haynes provided Members with a detailed update and highlighted the following areas:

·                 Domestic Violence – Due to the recent COVID pandemic an increase in domestic violence had been seen across the County.  The CI reported that charities were now directing enquirers to the Police to address matters and implement positive steps to help vulnerable victims.

·                 Operation Ageis (policing of organised crime groups) – This operation had seen significant success which included the break up of a major group. 

·                 Operation Enlightenment (engagement with schools) – This had been difficult in recent months, but Officers were now back in schools and assisting with COVID legislation and other matters, specifically those highlighted during the recent lockdown.  Child / young persons Officers had been increased from three to four and Officers were looking to expand into junior schools.

·                 Engagement – CI Scott-Haynes explained how changes were being made to ensure that engagement with the public continued, this included using software such as Microsoft Teams.

·                 The Special Constabulary had three special constables dedicated to the Maldon Area, with a fourth based at South Woodham Ferrers.

·                 Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) – The CI outlined how the Police were looking to increase NHW within Maldon and implement the use of WhatsApp as this had proved successful in Chelmsford.  It was noted that the Chairman of the Maldon NHW had stepped down and as an interim measure Chelmsford NHW were picking up some responsibilities.

·                 The Community Policing Team worked out of the civic building in Chelmsford, although CI Scott-Haynes advised he was keen to get part of the team back into the Maldon area and was looking at acquiring a space within the District to facilitate this. 

·                 Rural Engagement – There were good links with the rural engagement team and recently there had been an increase in patrols, licensing visits, fly tipping operations and joint operations regarding theft.

Following the update from CI Scott-Haynes, a number of questions were raised by Members and in response the following information was provided:

·                 An update would be sought from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in respect of signage to direct people from the old Police station in Maldon to the new location at the Council Offices.

·                 An emergency phone at the Council offices (outside the Maldon Police station) had been agreed and was awaiting installation.

·                 If residents found incidents of flytipping, unless an emergency, they should be reported through the Council and Environment Agency.

·                 The Rural Engagement Team (RET) currently comprised of six officers and further recruitment was shortly to take place to fill vacancies.  The Team had done a lot of work on hare coursing and increasing visibility within the district.  CI Scott-Haynes highlighted how he wanted to have a rural community team based within the district but this required resourcing.

·                 Work with the serious crime team had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1279