Decision:
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RESOLVED: The Committee noted the information presented to them.
Minutes:
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Inspector Ben Jarvis from Norfolk Police gave a presentation, a copy which is attached.
The Environmental Health Manager presented further information on this item to a committee. A copy of the presentation is attached.
The Chair thanked Officers for the presentation and invited comments and questions from the Panel as summarised below.
Councillor Heneghan thanked Inspector Jarvis and Officers for the presentations and highlighted she was pleased to see perception had been considered. She highlighted to the Committee; it was a multi-agency collaboration and provided an example of this with an authority up north funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Inspector Ben Jarvis agreed it was a multi – agency approach and encouraged resident to report incidents of crime to the Police.
Councillor Ware raised questions about the causes of negative perceptions, the role of social media, the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms, and the potential for additional enforcement powers. Inspector Jarvis responded by emphasising the importance of accurate reporting, the limitations of current accreditation schemes, and the need for balanced, partnership-driven solutions.
In response to the Vice – Chair, Councillor Jones, the Business Operations Manager explained as an organisation, the Council was accredited with CSAS scheme with Norfolk Constabulary. He explained the police had not extended the powers beyond taking control of traffic and taking names and address for traffic offences. He explained further, extended powers to deal with Anti-Social Behaviour had been asked for however the Police had not allowed this through the CSAS Scheme.
Inspector Ben Jarvis added this was not something accredited within Norfolk or granted place by place. He added further the data doesn’t support the need for further accredited CSAS powers.
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Rust commented she would not feel comfortable with Officer of the Borough Council acting with the powers of the Police and being put at risk of violence. She added an external organisation would assess and produce a report on the perception of the areas which was useful.
The Assistant Director for Health, Wellbeing and Public Protection highlighted a risk assessment would need to be undertaken for Officers which are CSAS accredited to have further powers. He added there was further work needed to determine if this was appropriate and explained there was further work to be done on the perception of the area.
Inspector Ben Jarvis brought to the Committee attention, the survey which had previously been carried out on perception within North Lynn.
Councillor Heneghan commented the addition of the Street Rangers was beneficial for King’s Lynn but perception was key.
Inspector Ben Jarvis recommended the use of online reporting systems and the 101-telephone line for non-emergency incidents, clarifying that 101 operates 24/7. They acknowledged that digital exclusion remains an issue for some residents and reaffirmed the importance of telephone access.
In response to a question from the Chair, the Environmental Health Manager explained the Council was consolidating multiple Public Space Protection Order, (PSPOs) into a single order with clearer control measures, particularly targeting open containers of alcohol in designated areas. The process involves drafting new wording, conducting a wide-ranging public consultation, analysing feedback, and obtaining necessary approvals from Council Panels and Cabinet. The revised PSPO will enable police to act on open alcohol containers without needing to prove associated antisocial behaviour, streamlining enforcement. The timescale for implementation depends on the consultation and governance process, with the aim to complete it within the year.
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Rust shared that they had posted links to reporting mechanisms on local Facebook groups to empower residents, and officers encouraged all councillors to share this information widely to improve data collection and resource allocation
RESOLVED: The Committee noted the information presented to them.
Supporting documents: