Agenda item

Report of the Director of Law and Governance

The Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities considered a report of the Director of Law and Governance, which sought approval to renew the Public Spaces Protection Order for St Michael’s and surrounding areas.

In 2019 a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was created for St Michael’s Ward and the surrounding areas.  The Order was granted following public consultation that was overwhelmingly in favour of the Order being granted.  The matter was discussed by the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee at its meeting on 11^th June 2019.  The Order was subsequently renewed in 2022.

The original reason for the Order being sought was in response to the serious instances of public place violence witnessed in the city and criminal exploitation of young people.  Tackling public place and serious youth violence remained a key priority for the Council and partners and it was felt that this Order plays an important part in trying to address this and make people feel safer in their communities.

Significant resources had been allocated to address matters, both regionally and locally.  Whilst there appeared to be a reduction in visible “postcode gangs”, it was believed that many young people were still vulnerable to criminal exploitation, particularly around the drugs trade and, rather than be in street gangs, they were more likely to be involved in Organised Crime Groups.  These groups often used violent methods to protect the areas they operate in and to deter others.

In recent times, an increase in violent incidents had been seen in the areas the Order is applicable to.  Whilst it was acknowledged that a PSPO would not tackle these issues on its own, it was a tool for Police Officers to use.  PSPOs were useful in that they could be used proactively for situations where officers have a concern that matters might get out of hand, people can be directed to disperse from an area rather than having to wait for an actual criminal offence to occur, which would involve additional resources and public expenditure.

Details of crime statistics for St Michael’s Ward were appended to the report submitted, although it was noted that all potential criminal acts addressed or deterred by the use of the Order would not occur solely in St Michael’s Ward as gangs also carried out criminal acts elsewhere in the city  and outside of the city boundaries.

The Order is an “informed order”, meaning that someone would be informed that there is an order in place and that their behaviour was unacceptable.  Should they accept an officer’s instruction and disperse, there would be no further action taken.  Should they refuse to disperse and leave the area, that would be a breach of the Order.  Police colleagues now record their use of PSOP’s and their interactions with the public on body worn cameras and, as such, if people have a complaint regarding the use of the powers, this could be assessed.

The Cabinet Member noted that there is currently an IT issue that means current information regarding the usage of the Order is unavailable.  It was reported at the meeting that work is ongoing to establish a recording mechanism to fully understand where there has been a compliance at first request therefore making it unnecessary to issue a Notice under the provisions of the Order.

The Cabinet Member noted impact statements from West Midlands Police, the Business Improvement District, Staff from the Parks and Streetscene within the Council, and the Police and Crime Commissioner, which were also appended to the report.  In addition, the Cabinet Member also considered oral representations at the meeting from Chief Inspector Hamir Godhania and several members of the public, who highlighted the antisocial behaviour and criminal activities which impact their lives.

RESOLVED that, the Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities:

1.  Note the impact statements and crime statistics from key agencies attached to the report and their rationale for extending the existing Order.

2.  Approve that the Order be extended for a period of three years from the date the current Order is due to expire.

3.  Request that all partners continue with their current actions, patrol plans and monitor the surrounding areas for any potential displacement of the issue.