Agenda item

To consider a report of the Executive Director, Core Services and the Executive Director, Communities in respect of Barnsley Safer Neighbourhood Services

The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:-

·         Paul Brannan, Head of Service – Safer Communities, BMBC

·         Mark Giles, Services Manager – Safer Communities, BMBC

·         Councillor Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson – Communities, BMBC

·         Chief Inspector Jakki Hardy – South Yorkshire Police

Councillor Platts introduced the item by reminding Members that the Safer Neighbourhood Service had gone live in April 2017, reintroducing neighbourhood policing and multi-agency working at all levels, with teams aligned to Area Councils.  The model was developed in light of reduced resources, and a change of such magnitude presented challenges.  Members were invited to discuss the service, how it was currently operating, and suggest areas which may require improvement.  In the following discussion Members asked a number of questions, and the following points were raised:-

·         Questions were asked about whether there are comparable models which could be used to learn from or share ideas. It was noted that the local arrangements, although taking best practice from other areas, had no direct comparison. It was noted that the model was based on good practice from previous neighbourhood policing in Barnsley, but that the challenge was delivering this within much reduced resources.

·         With regards to Crime and Safety Group meetings, it was clarified that the responsibility for the organisation of these was with the community, but that the team would endeavour to send a representative, be it Council or Police.  However where this was not possible, it was often due to shift patterns, and groups were encouraged to discuss whether a mutually agreeable time to hold the meeting could be arrived at.  Members heard that consideration was given to developing standards of engagement, and that Crime and Safety Group meetings would be part of this, as would Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings, with the latter being the responsibility of the local Sergeant or Team Leader.

·         With regards to the distribution of resources, it was noted that there were joint resources in every area, with a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) in each ward to cover the whole of the borough geographically.  However in considering and responding to demand teams were based in Royston, Goldthorpe, Kendray and the Town Centre. 

·         In response to questions about anti-social behaviour Members heard how this had reduced by 21% over the past year. The meeting discussed underreporting of anti-social behaviour, and issues with the 101 service. It was noted that in the first few months of operation of the new model reporting increased but had since declined, however more local contact numbers were being introduced to assist reporting.

·         Regarding feedback being provided following incidents, Members heard this was covered by the Victim Code of Practice and the process was scrutinised.   If there were issues, it was suggested that residents were encouraged to provide feedback so any underperformance could be raised with officers.

·         In relation to substance misuse and mental health it was noted that nationally 40% of incidents involved mental health, and that for many individuals issues with substance misuse and mental health were often linked.  Locally partners including South West Yorkshire NHS Partnership Foundation Trust (SWYPFT), Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and others were meeting to ensure systems were working most efficiently to assist vulnerable people before crisis point was reached.  It was noted the hub had 2 workers dedicated to mental health and their involvement over the past 6 months had significantly lessened the impact on other services.

·         In reference to substance misuse services, it was noted that the new commission from April 2017 was reduced in value, and that this did impact on provision.  Members heard how provision for young people had been part of the wider commission since this time. The meeting noted the need to review the service to see if it was meeting needs and identify any gaps.

·         Members heard how the service is currently in discussion with Berneslai Homes how best to work together moving forward in phase 2 of the model.

·         Questions were raised about the systems for data collection, and whether they were fit for purpose or were too resource intensive.  Members heard of the challenge to improve systems for data and information, including the interface and sharing of information between the Police and Council.  The resource required was acknowledged, but it was felt that this was essential for proper triage and assessment; understanding demand and prioritising issues to maximise the impact of the service.

·         The meeting discussed the demand placed on blue light services, and the need to reduce unnecessary use.  It was noted that this subject was being discussed by partners, and was extremely complex and involved the capacity of services within the community as well as emergency services as often residents would only ring 999 when other options had been exhausted.  It was recognised that successful triage and early intervention also impacted on the demand for 999 services.

·         Many members complemented the service on their hard work, the positive relationships being built in Barnsley’s communities, and applauded the return of community policing. It was also acknowledged that all aspects of community safety were important, that all crime matters, and that the return to community policing had not been at the expense of serious crime.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the witnesses be thanked for their contribution and their hard work over the past 12 months;

(ii)          That Police/Council officers let community representatives know if there will be no officer presence at community meetings in advance;

(iii)         Once finalised, contact information for officers on a local basis need to be communicated to Elected Members

(iv)         Police to undertake further analysis regarding the potential under-reporting of anti-social behaviour as Members are aware of concerns which are not being reported due to perceived ineffectiveness of 101;

(v)          Police to provide case study examples to the committee regarding partnership working between the Police, Mental Health Services and Substance Misuse Services;  and

(vi)             That the report be received.