Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed the members of the Board to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance. Duncan Tessier, Assistant Director Early Intervention and Prevention Children’s Services at Barnet Council, was welcomed as formal member of the Safer Communities Partnership Board.

Apologies noted from Nicola Francis, Dr Simon Harding and James Mass.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 October 2013 were agreed as a correct record. The Board noted the list of actions recorded in the previous minutes and that most have been completed.

The Chairman thanked Michael Kelly for the work on offender management and Asfa Davey for all her efforts and contribution in setting up the Safer Neighbourhood Board.

Safer Communities Partnership Board
Action Log of meeting held on 24 January 2014
Committee Room 2, Hendon Town Hall

Action Log

Kiran Vagarwal, Head of Community Safety, delivered the presentation of progress on delivery of Barnet’s Safer Communities Partnership Strategy 2011-2014- noting the objectives: reduction of crime rates, anti-social behaviour and improving safety for communities. Ms Vagarwal noted the need for continued focus on offender management, preventative actions, refocusing of resources and building on public confidence. The Board was informed that overall crime had fallen, Barnet has achieved an overall 14.4% reduction in the MOPAC7 crime rates. The Board noted that theft from the person is the only MOPAC7 crime type to show an increase- overall total crime is down 9.5% in the last 12 months.

Ms Vagarwal informed the Board that Offender Management has improved, monthly conviction rates have been reduced by 36% by virtue of the IOM scheme. Total reoffending was down from 8% to 6% as reduced IOM cohort is translating into improved headline Probation performance and good results from positive partnerships. Ms Vagarwal updated the board on the positive projected impact and greater level of crime reduction if the IOM cohort is expanded.

Community Confidence indicators showed that overall satisfaction is 4% higher than the previous year and confidence in policing is above the London average by 5%. The Board was informed of the efforts made towards raising community confidence in Barnet through analysis of user satisfaction data. The council’s Resident Perception Survey (RPS) and the Police Public Attitude Survey (PAS) both indicated an annual increase of confidence in policing. Level of concern regarding crime is 6% less than the London Average and has been reduced by 1%.

The Board was informed that cohesion with partners remains high and that through targeting resources, partners will be able to improve on partnership performance. The Offender Management cohort has been identified as a viable crime reduction strategy.

Ms Vagarwal noted that part of the SARA process is to identify what has or has not worked, crime problems and factors have been analysed to help identify appropriate strategies resources to tackle the issues. Community engagement efforts include the promotion of service to all residents through Barnet First magazine and community engagement events delivered during Safe Guarding month.

Ms Vagarwal updated the Board that the forward work plan will include an update at the next meeting of the reviewed priorities and strategies- with particular emphasis on increasing community engagement.

ACTION: Kiran Vagarwal to update the board on forward work plan item for increasing community engagement

The Board was updated that in response to cross-border burglary, a review of the partnership approach is being led by the recent burglary reduction group set up, chaired by Dr Simon Harding.   ANPR coverage will also be increased in the borough as part of the CCTV upgrade.

ACTION: Kiran Vagarwal to update the Board on strategy for increasing ANPR coverage across the borough

Councillor David Longstaff, Cabinet Member for Safety and Resident Engagement, queried whether any factors around re-offending and conviction rates had not been considered for comparison purposes. Peter Clifton informed that the re-offending data  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Peter Clifton, Crime Analyst at LBB, presented the Performance Dashboard item. Mr Clifton noted that although a reduction in residential burglary of 24% in comparison to previous year, Barnet is still ranked high in comparison to the London average. Barnet has seen a marginal increase in Gun Crime in comparison to other London boroughs and that this is predominately attributed to Domestic Violence- which raised the issue of efforts to improve reporting in domestic violence cases.

Action: Peter Clifton to provide further data in the violent crime Dashboard on Gun  crime in the borough

Indicators on Domestic violence showed an increase in the recent quarter and a 13.9% increase versus the previous year. Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) are regular local meetings where information about high risk domestic abuse victims is shared between local agencies. Mr Clifton explained that although MARAC repeat rates have risen over the last two years, the number of repeats has remained fairly constant.

Action: Peter Clifton to update the ASB Indicators within the Dashboard.
Action: Salar Rida to publish updated Dashboard Indicators on LB Barnet webpage

Reduction in re-offending data indicate that Barnet’s ranks 8 out of the 32 London Boroughs (1 being the best performing) at. Peter Clifton informed the Board that Youth Offending rates are lower than London, National and Statistical rates- Barnet has been performing fairly strongly in reducing Youth Offending rates as indicated by figures for first time entrants into the criminal justice system.

Mark Strugnell of the Metropolitan Police informed on the possible complications in reporting rates for Theft from the Person- particularly in relation to mobile devices. The Board was informed that currently a small number of police officers are involved in the piloting of a series of schemes designed to reduce theft of electronic and mobile devices. Mark Strugnell noted the implications on reporting Theft from Person data in cases where individuals are unsure as to whether a misplaced mobile device should be reported as stolen or lost.

Kiran Vagarwal, Head of Community Safety for LBB, informed the Board that Performance indicators are updated on a regular basis as new information is received. Following a question from Mathew Kendall, the Assistant Director for Community & Well-being, regarding the performance of Barnet in comparison to other boroughs, the Board was informed by Mike Strugnell that significant reduction in crime rates have been achieved in a number of areas. Taking into consideration the continued challenges in Barnet, Mr Strugnell emphasised the importance of addressing the wider issues and to continue to move forward in reducing crime rates.

Mathew Kendall queried the development of initiatives aimed at underreporting of certain types of crimes. Following a question from Mathew Kendall on the implications of underreporting, Peter Clifton informed the Board that underreporting of domestic violence remains an issue which continues to raise concerns- an area of concern. In order to increase reporting in this area, active measures are currently taken into consideration for further implementation.

The Chairman noted the importance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Progress report and proposal for future delivery

Peter Clifton presented the assessment of potential benefits of the expansion of the IOM Cohort Project in Barnet. Mr Clifton informed the board of the positive impact of the Integrated Offender Management programme on probation performance and crime levels in Barnet. The current caseload for IOM Cohort programme has resulted in 36% average reduction in monthly conviction rates after offenders joined the IOM programme. It was noted that IOM has had a positive impact on reducing re-offending rate from 8% to 6% and that offending has been lower by around 12% (page 61 of the report agenda).

The Board was informed on the possible outcomes of the expansions of the IOM scheme in reducing offending rates. Duncan Tessier asked what portion of all individuals arrested formed part of the top repeat offenders’ cohort. It is estimated that the top 200 offenders accounted for 10-13% of total crime within the borough and 2.9% of all individuals arrested.

ACTION: for Peter Clifton to provide further analysis of top cohort offenders in comparison to total crime committed in the borough.

The Board heard how offending reductions have been achieved by comparing repeat offending data for individuals on the IOM scheme to those not participating in the scheme. Peter Clifton informed the Board that the expansion of the cohort to a wider range of offenders would create a real opportunity for offenders to benefit from the Integrated Offender Management programme. Mr Clifton highlighted that it is estimated that the IOM scheme would equate to an annual reduction of 884 offences or 3.8% reduction in Barnet’s crime rate. Mr Clifton highlighted that therefore there is a strong confidence in the benefits of the IOM programme and emphasised the recommendation for the expansion of the scheme.

Duncan Tessier noted the potential benefits of the application of the IOM scheme to youth offenders.

ACTION: for the Board to consider the expansion of the Integrated Offender Management cohort (Kiran Vagarwal/ Peter Clifton)

ACTION: the Board consider the application of the Integrated Offender Management scheme to youth offenders (Kiran Vagarwal/ Peter Clifton)

Kiran Vagarwal highlighted that the Reducing Reoffending Group (RRG) have been requested to consider the potential client list and expansion of the level of cohort group. In relation to resourcing Mr Clifton commented that by expanding the cohort, additional local police resource will be required, two further police leads, to ensure enforcement compliance.

The Chairman commended the report and thanked Kiran Vagarwal and Peter Clifton for the preparation and presentation of the item. The Chairman also noted the importance of reviewing the strategy for future improvement and success in reducing offending rates.

Bradley Few, Programme Manager MOPAC, informed the Board that funding is allocated 4 years for the entire programme. Funding will have to be agreed and receive approval from Home Office and in the event of any underspent- funds would be re-allocated within the programme. The Assistant Director for Community and Wellbeing, Mathew Kendall noted the need to frame a set of objectives  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Progress update (Action from last SCPB) – Verbal

Action: The Board receive an update on Burglary data at the April meeting.

Update from Youth Justice Matters Board

(Standing agenda item)

Duncan Tessier provided a verbal update from Youth Justice Matters Board.  Re offending rates among young offenders is low compared to other London boroughs. Mr Tessier noted the urgency to discuss a suitable strategy to tackle gang related violence within the borough- with a particular focus of efforts on crime hotspots in Barnet. It is therefore important to increase Targeted intervention and review effective work achieved in reducing youth re-offending.

Councillor David Longstaff thanked Mr Tessier for the update and emphasised the importance of effective partnership in tackling youth crime.

ACTION: Duncan Tessier to update the Board on proposed strategies for Targeted Intervention.

(Action from last SCPB)

Julie Pal, Chief Executive Officer at CommUNITY Barnet, introduced the paper on the proposal to MOPAC to establish the new Barnet Safer Neighbourhood Board.  The Board was updated on the recruitment process for the membership to the Safer Neighbourhood Board- so far 31 expressions of interest have been received. It has been proposed to use the same volunteer recruitment campaign as for Healthwatch.  Out of the 31 applicants, 8 have submitted an application which will be presented to the independent recruitment panel. Julie Pal noted that the Safer Neighbourhood Board will be holding at least 2 public meetings per year together with a series of engagement events across the borough.

Referring to the Terms of Reference of the Board, Kiran Vagarwal noted that the workload and strategy should be reviewed on a regular basis in order to avoid any duplication of work covered by the Board. The Head of Community Safety, Ms Vagarwal, emphasised that active commitment is needed to address public concerns about crime and promote active youth participation in Barnet.

Action: Julie Pal to review Terms of Reference of SNB to avoid duplication of workload covered by Partnership Board

Julie Pal informed the members of the Board that in February 2014 an Inaugural meeting of the shadow SNB will be held to discuss and agree governance arrangements, the appointment of SNB Chair and funding arrangements.

The Chairman noted that under current plans the Chair of the Safer Neighbourhood Board would take up executive membership on the Safer Communities Partnership Board in April 2014. This would provide a positive platform for lessons to be learnt and shared on crime data analysis.  Ms Vagarwal informed the Board of the possibility that certain actions can be delegated to the Safer Neighbourhood Board for implementation.

Action: Bradley Few to update the Board on possibility of delegation of actions to Safer Neighbourhood Board.

Julie Pal noted the significance of clear communication with SNB to ensure that real results are delivered and to implement clear overarching priorities for delivering a comprehensive community strategy. The Chairman thanked the members of the Board for the discussions.

Meeting: April 2014

·         Performance – focus on community confidence

·         Strategic Crime Needs Assessment   emerging priorities

·         Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

·         Drugs and Alcohol

·         Annual report of the SCPB

·         Refreshed Terms of Reference for the SCPB

Meeting: July 2014

·         Anti-social Behaviour - Introduction of the new powers and impact

·         Development of the 2014-17 Community Safety Strategy

·         A communication plan for SCPB

The Board considered the Forward Plan for items and approved the following:

April 2014:

• Performance- focus on community confidence
• Strategic Crime Needs Assessment- emerging priorities
• Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
• Drugs and Alcohol
• Annual report of the SCPB
• Refreshed Terms of Reference for the SCPB

July 2014:

• Anti-social Behaviour – Introduction of the new powers and impact
• Development of the 2014-17 Community Safety Strategy
• A communication plan for SCPB

Action: The Board receive an update from MOPAC on data for funding arrangements and SNB

Date of next meeting: 25/04/2014 at 14:30

The meeting finished at 16.30pm. The date of the next meeting is Friday 25^th April 2014 at 14:30.