Agenda item

Chief Superintendent Clark began by advising that the shift pattern for the response unit   was changing on 2 March 2018, to a 2:2:2 shift, which would ensure more        resilience. Each of the 13 Divisions were establishing policing toolkits to enhance      communication. This would be focused internally and externally and would be tailored      to reflect local     variances.

3.2       Chief Inspector McLean then presented the Draft Police Scrutiny Report for the period 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017, copies of which had been circulated with the Agenda.   He explained that there had been significant changes to the format of the report, which was now based on community feedback and tailored to reflect the area’s priorities.  The report did not provide statistics; instead focused on detailing the work Police Scotland were undertaking to address local issues.  He welcomed feedback on the new format and explained once this was received a final report would be prepared.  

3.3       Domestic Abuse (incorporating all aspects of sexual offences).  During the period incidents of domestic abuse had increased.  This reflected an increased confidence in reporting of incidents and the support given.  Chief Inspector McLean explained that every domestic incident that occurred, over a 24 hour period, was scrutinised and reviewed daily by the Local Area Commander and the threat, risk of harm to the victim assessed to ensure everything possible was being done to protect the victim and bring offenders to justice.  In response to a question he explained the officers proactively pursued offenders who were the subject of bail conditions.  This involved maintaining contact with victims to ensure safety, along with robust enforcement checks on suspects. If bail conditions were breached then the offender was taken back to Court.    

3.4       Road Safety (incorporating prevention, driver behaviour, road casualties).  There had been a significant reduction in casualties during the period.   Initiatives continued on the prevention and education side of casualty reduction, for example Drivewise, which targeting young people under 17 years of age.  Over 20, over 65s refresher sessions with an Approved Driving Instructor had also been delivered.   During the quarter, enforcement action had focused on the drink driving and no insurance campaign.   Pop Up Bob had also been viewed in various locations to aid speed reduction.  

3.5       Violent Crime (incorporating assaults, Serious Organised Crime Groups (SOCG) and Counter Terrorism). There had been a reduction in violent crime in the Borders.  Police Scotland had initiated plans to manage the weekend, night time economy within the Borders.  The purpose of which was to offer reassurance to the public and be vigilant to any developing incidents to ensure a prompt response to any criminality.  In response to a question, Chief Inspector McLean reported that a number of arrests had been made to a group supplying drugs across the Scottish Borders resulting in significant custodial sentences.   

3.6       Anti-Social Behaviour (incorporating online crime and hate crime).  There had been some increase, albeit at a low level. Chief Inspector Mclean referred to an incident at the Transport Interchange in Galashiels where there had been significant police intervention with staff, regarding youth, anti-social behaviour.  Regular patrols continued to be carried out and any offenders dealt with.   In response to a question regarding arrests for breach of the peace, Chief Inspector McLean explained that when the behaviour was criminal they required witnesses and the public were often reluctant to come forward. Mr Jones added that if someone came to the attention of the team they would be monitored and ways to temper that individual’s behaviour considered.  Tenants causing problems and the fear of reporting because of reprisals was discussed.  The Chairman suggested that this topic could be considered, in more detail, as one of the themes at a future meeting.

3.7       Drugs and Substance Misuse (incorporating SOSG).  Chief Inspector McLean advised that the biggest misused substance was alcohol. The Police were engaging with school link workers to educate and inform young people about alcohol misuse and the effect on the community.    The Chairman highlighted, of concern, drug related deaths over the period of one weekend. Chief Inspector McLean explained that a significant amount of work had being carried out on this matter through joint working with NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council. Following which dealers were arrested and drugs recovered.  He emphasised the importance of the public reporting any information to Crimestoppers which was totally anonymous. 

3.8       Acquisitive Crime (incorporating rural crime, housebreakings and thefts).  There had been a number of prevention surveys on houses and businesses during the quarter.  Chief Inspector McLean highlighted that working in partnership with Broomlands Residents’ Association in Kelso another new “Cold Calling Zone” had been implemented.   In response to a question, he explained that the Zone gave residents’ confidence and it was open to their personal interpretation on how they wished to implement the scheme. 

3.9       Protection People (incorporating child protection, child sexual exploitation (CSE) adults at risk & missing persons).  The VPD (Vulnerable Persons Database) was working well and allowed the identification of risk and vulnerability in adults and children to partner agencies allowing them to provide support and intervention where required.  Reports of missing persons were given a high priority, particularly if there was an immediate threat to life.

3.10     In the ensuing discussion it was requested that future Scrutiny Reports included  response times for 101 and 999  calls, details of complaints,  and figures on detection rates.  The Chairman thanked Chief Superintendent Clark and Chief Inspector McLean for their attendance and on behalf of the Committee congratulated Chief Superintendent Clark on being awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. 

            DECISION

            AGREED to request that future Police Scotland Scrutiny Reports for the Scottish Borders included information on response times for 101 and 999 calls, details of complaints and statistics on detection rates.