Presentation by Chief Inspector Danny Long, West Midlands Police
Minutes:
The Board received a presentation from Chief Inspector Danny Long, West Midlands Police on WMP 2020, which was an intensive four year change programme that would change the face of policing across the West Midlands. Extensive public consultation had shaped the proposals, which had a focus on crime prevention. There were over 30 core projects, all of which had people and technology at their heart. The programme was designed to help the police stay one step ahead of criminals, making the force fit for future challenges.
The presentation informed that the change programme was based on the following four pillars:
· We are geared to prevent crime
· We are prepared to respond at pace
· We are ready to learn and adapt
· We listen and reassure.
The Board were reminded of the challenges and requirements for change with West Midlands Police seeing a 22% cut in budget, some £125m, over the previous six years which had led to a smaller and more agile workforce with 3,000 fewer people. There was also the increasing challenge to prevent terrorism and cybercrime as well as reducing vulnerability. The Board noted that despite the challenges, the force had managed to lower re-offending rates; there was a rise in public confidence and victim satisfaction; crime had been driven down faster than any other force in the country, and West Midlands Police was now in the top five force index.
The presentation drew attention to the ambition for neighbourhood policing as set out by Chief Constable Dave Thompson: ‘The new neighbouring policing model continues the values of the past but with a focused and determined approach to prevent crime, disorder and demand; we must create a depth of partnership unseen in this region; we must find ways to work collaboratively with partners and communities to understand and provide interventions to prevent young people especially from becoming victims and the people who commit crime’.
The purpose of neighbourhood policing was set out as follows:
· Prevent harm at the earliest opportunity
· Reduce the demand on the force by problem solving measures
· Prevent criminals reoffending
· Work more effectively with partners, especially around early intervention
· Increase public confidence in the police by understanding and responding to their needs
· Activate citizens and mobilise partners to tackle local concerns.
The Board were informed how the neighbourhood policing units would be made up of specialist capabilities, with neighbouring policing remaining at the heart of the new model. Further information was provided on the other units which made up WMP. The Board noted that the new approach saw neighbourhood teams being supported by a host of other specialist departments, local organisations and national bodies.
Information was provided on the proposals for digital experience for citizens which included online incident reporting, online case tracking, advanced signposting and self-service options and an interactive statement generator.
The presentation concluded with information about what the changes meant for Coventry including the make-up of the individual neighbouring policing units and the senior officers in the city centre, north east and south and north-west sectors.
The Chair, Councillor Caan thanked Chief Inspector Long for the informative presentation.