Agenda item

To receive a report from the Director of Environment and Housing presenting a series of summaries of community safety related matters identified by the Board in June.

The Director of Environment and Housing submitted a report which provided a brief overview of community safety related themes / services that had been identified by the Board.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member for Communities

-  Councillor Josie Jarosz, Leeds Member of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel

-  Neil Evans, Director of Environment and Housing

-  Superintendent Sam Millar, Chief Officer (Community Safety)

-  Harvinder Saimbhi, Head of Anti-Social Behaviour.

The key areas of discussion were:

Addressing anti-social behaviour

·  Development of the out of hours’ service to receive and log calls, which was welcomed by the Board.

·  The types of support aimed at encouraging individuals to report crime.  However, it was also suggested that the service seeks legal advice on whether existing witness statement forms could be changed to help protect the identity of witnesses, particularly from the perpetrators. 

·  Confirmation that there had been a small increase in the reporting of hate crime since Brexit.  The Board was advised about the development of local reporting centres and also the proactive work being undertaken with local schools.

·  The use of restorative practice methodologies to resolve cases.  Linked to this, Members cited examples of positive initiatives with organisations such as the Blue Cross and Dogs Trust which involve the use of animals as part of a rehabilitation programme for offenders.  It was therefore suggested that this approach be explored in the development of a local menu of restorative practice methods.

·  Concern about the costs associated with replacing Designated Public Places Orders (DPPOs) with Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs). It was noted that these would also require careful monitoring to ensure their effectiveness.

·  In acknowledging the positive work being undertaken with local schools, Members were mindful that the service also needs to look beyond the school environment when engaging with young people in localities.  This point was also acknowledged as part of the work linked to the establishment of a Hate Crime Strategic Board.

·  The Board acknowledged the vital role of local Police Community Support Officers in working closely with local communities in addressing anti-social behaviour.  In acknowledging the commitment to reach the full PCSO complement by early next year, particular references were made to ensuring that local ward allocations are kept separate to PCSO commitments allocated to city wide initiatives, such as the Managed Approach in Holbeck. 

Addressing youth offending

·  Particular reference was made to the approaches taken in addressing gang culture and it was noted that existing strategies adopt a multi-agency approach across localities.

·  The Board highlighted a need for additional resources to also support and encourage the take up of youth activities in communities.

·  Whilst acknowledging the Council’s efforts in working closely with employers to help address youth unemployment generally across the city, the Board recognised the need to strengthen links with employers in supporting young offenders into work too.

Tackling begging across the city

·  Clarification about the support available to people begging on the street.  The Board was advised about outreach services, hostels and signposting.

·  The need to develop effective communication and engagement strategies aimed at publicising how best to support people begging, i.e. offering food instead of money and supporting local charities and organisations.  Linked to this, Members also recognised the need to clearly publicise a contact number that people can use if they are concerned about the welfare or behaviour of someone begging in the city.

The future provision of CCTV

·  The important role of Community Committees regarding future provision of CCTV and the need for them to be consulted as a key stakeholder.  Linked to this, it was requested that Community Committees be provided with details of the location of existing cameras and priority areas.

·  Whilst it was noted that the performance information reports to Elected Members have ceased pending further development, the Board urged that the new reports be developed and circulated as soon as possible.

·  Confirmation that the review of provision included a focus on high rise buildings.

·  An update on development of soft market testing and the importance of wireless connectivity to provide greater flexibility.

·  The role of PPPU and development of a Project Board to support this area of work. 

Following consideration of further community safety related matters, designated as exempt under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4 (2) and (7), which was considered in private during the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the report be noted

(b)  That the above requests for information be provided.

(Councillor A Blackburn joined the meeting at 10.20am during the consideration of this item.)