Agenda item

Acting Chief Inspector Warwick-Saunders introduced the report which related to an update on Barnet Police resources and the partnership response to Hate Crime.

Councillor O-Macauley mentioned that a break-down of hate crime by ward would be useful. Jamie Blake responded that other crimes are broken down by ward and that he is happy to circulate data to Members following the meeting. 

Councillor McGuirk asked that in a case of an incident that could take place externally of Barnet whether the police in Barnet could respond in terms of resources bearing in mind the high state of emergency the UK is in.

Acting Chief Inspector Warwick-Saunders responded that the police have the resilience in Barnet through  over-time and the ability to call on external support. The police have to do more with less but he is confident that in Barnet there are sufficient resources and flexibility.

Councillor Brayne asked why gun crime has risen significantly and whether it affects particular parts of the borough.

Acting Chief Inspector Warwick-Saunders responded that figures are not actual gun discharges. In cases where “shots were fired” reports were received, but there is no evidence that guns were used these are still reported as gun incidents.

During discussion Councillor Greenspan left the meeting. 

Councillor Gordon asked whether there is sufficient liaison between the police and different communities within the borough. Acting Chief Inspector Warwick Saunders responded that the police could perform better at this. There is a new diversity officer as part of the anti-social and senior leadership support and they are also part of the Independent Advisory Group.

Councillor Old commented that the new structure made residents feel reassured.

Councillor Slocombe asked what has been the progress on domestic violence.

Ms Vagarwal responded that reports have increased and that there are effective measures in place that aim to reduce the number of repeat victims. Acting Chief Inspector Warwick-Saunders added that this shows that there is more confidence in the police dealing with these incidents.

Councillor Slocombe mentioned that low reports are because victims feel embarrassed  and concerned that the offender might come back and also mentioned the need for more prosecutions.

Acting Chief Inspector Warwick-Saunders responded that they encourage front line officers to arrest suspects regardless to what the victim has said, so in this way the police take responsibility. Councillor Slocombe thanked the police for keeping them updated on the West Hendon Ward.

Councillor McGuirk also stated that domestic violence should also include elderly abuse and same sex couple abuse.

Ms Vagarwal responded that the strategy looks at raising awareness and looking at expanding its terminology to include other groups.

Following discussion the Committee unanimously agreed the recommendations.

It was therefore RESOLVED:

1. That the Committee noted the update provided by the police in this report in response to both the Members’ Item from Cllr. O-Macauley and the action requested at the full council meeting on 26 July 2016:

·         To ask for an update on cuts to police officers and budgets impacting Barnet, including the number of police officers cut since 2010 and in the budget going forward.

·         Receive an update on local police resources, workloads and the impact these are having on policing in the Borough.

*Councillor Greenspan was absent during voting on this item