PPC Martin Surl's Annual Report 2019

1 April 2018 to 31 March 2

P roducing an annual report is like crossing the threshold between the old year and the 1,382 go missing in Gloucestershir - the hidden challenge to fighti g crime ByMartin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner 1,382 GOMISSING INGLOUCESTERSHIRE The hidden challenge to fighting crime The Annual Report of the Police & Crime Commissioner, Martin Surl

As the range and complexity of crimes continues to grow, the answer is further complicated by the additional social issues around mental health and lack of youth provision. With much of the As the range and complexity of crimes continues to grow, the answer is further complicated by the additional social issues around mental health and lack of youth provision. With much of the Constabulary’s time now spent as first responders to the mental health crisis that is gripping our country, what you might call ‘conventional’ police work is being squeezed. Continued on page 2

Producing an annual report is like crossing the threshold between the old year and the new. It provides the opportunity to reflect on the twelve months that have passed with one eye on what might lie ahead. The primary task of all Police and Crime Commissioners, as laid down by the former Home Secretary who defined the role, is to reduce crime. What is now apparent is that the role of the Constabulary is now more than just that. new. It provides the opportunity to reflect on the twelve months that have passed with one eye on what might lie ahead. The primary task of all Police and Crime Commissioners, as laid down by the former Home Secretary who defined the role, is to reduce crime. What is now apparent is that the role of the Constabulary is now more than just that. Go into many stores, shops and other premises around the county and the chances are you will see the ‘Keep Safe’ logo. For what started as a small group of 10 memory clubs in the Cotswolds, now has more than 1100 shops and businesses signed up and its network reaches throughout the county. ‘Keep Safe’* is one of more than 470 schemes supported by the Commissioner’s Fund since it was launched in 2012.

By Martin Surl, Police and Crime Commissioner

PCC fund nears 500 landmark as more sign up to ‘Keep safe’

‘Keep Safe’ is also one of 73 projects whose contracts were renewed in the latest funding cycle which has just drawn to a close alongside 27 new ones which include: • A community safety partnership scheme to address ‘hidden harm’ in the Cotswolds like stalking and sexual violence

Continued on page 11

Contents When threebecomesix ............................................................................. 3 The longeyeof the law .............................................................................. 4 WebgiantsshouldpaymoresaysPCC ........................................ 5 HomeSecdelaysdecisiononfireservice future .................. 6

MakingGloucestershiremorechildfriendly ........................ 12 Working together to tackleknifecrime .................................... 13 Newadviceservice forsexabusevictims ............................... 14 Ourpriorities .................................................................................................... 15

Acompassionateapproach ................................................................... 7 On thebeatwith theChiefConstable .......................................... 8 Icouldhavekilledyoumum .............................................................. 10 Commissioner’sFundapproachesnew landmark ........... 11

www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 63

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

Constabulary’s time now spent as first responders to the mental health crisis that is gripping our country, what you might call ‘conventional’ police work is being squeezed. Typical of this, is the high number of people who go missing in Gloucestershire, with many of them going missing repeatedly. Records show that from January to May this year, there were 1,382 missing episodes recorded by the constabulary; 588 of those were linked to mental health; 269 related to children with mental health problems. Indeed, most of our missing individuals are children and in 43% of those cases, mental health is a factor. Research also suggests that on average, a child goes missing 18 times, a situation further compounded by the fact that 67% of missing episodes recorded are between the hours of 6pm-7am. This may be as a result of other statutory services being unavailable, but if the Constabulary is now the agency of first resort as well as last, the time it has to spend on burglary, assault, anti-social behaviour, vehicle and other crimes is bound to be reduced. Of course, it could be that the increase is due to more accurate recording and the partnership work underway to ensure missing is reported at the right time. Certainly, there has been significant collaboration with multi-agency care plans for those who are frequently missing or are in crisis and this has resulted in a reduction in the number of recorded missing fromWotton Lawn. Notwithstanding the impact on families and friends, it is an immense strain on police

resources. Callous as it sounds to evaluate a human problem in terms of hard cash, in the context of a Constabulary under considerable financial pressure it is not unreasonable. Finding answers to the causes and consequences around mental health requires a multi-agency approach. The first priority of the police will always be to keep people safe, but they are having to do more with less and have been for some time now l

Since coming in-house on 1 June, 2018, until 31 March 2019, the National Driver Offender Retraining Scheme (NDORS) has been delivered to 20,094 errant motorists, 58% of which related to offences committed in Gloucestershire. 913 courses were delivered at seven different venues across the county, which will soon be eight. The new long lens equipment purchased through the PCC allows mobile officers to spot offences other than speed, including the use of mobile phones while driving, tailgating and non-use of seatbelts. 408 of these offences were detected in the last quarter l NDORS endorsed

64 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

Local command and control returns and strengthens border collaboration

Amore visible police presence on the streets of Gloucestershire and an improved firearms capability around the region are the aims of a new collaboration agreement with all six police forces bordering our county . Changes to the previous Tri-force arrangement were under review for several months and officially changed in April, when Gloucestershire Tri-Force officers and staff came back under the sole command of the Chief Constable Rod Hansen. Gloucestershire Police for Gloucestershire people was an integral part of the Police and Crime Plan when it was re-launched in 2017 and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and Chief Constable have been working on a new strategy for policing the county’s road network. They are also collaborating with PCCs and chief constables in Avon and Somerset and Wiltshire on local and strategic firearms policing

requirements. Dog sections too have returned to local command and control. PCC Martin Surl believes they will enhance local policing and bolster areas most affected by recent cutbacks.“Specialist policing of Gloucestershire’s roads has understandably deteriorated due to financial cuts and in my view effective policing of the strategic road network has all but vanished. I do not believe this is acceptable or sustainable. “I am pleased we have those officers and their expertise back under the control of Gloucestershire’s Chief Constable to support our neighbourhood and response teams. “This was not a case of Gloucestershire pulling out and there has been no big-fall out.We are still working with Avon & Somerset and Wiltshire, as we do with other forces where it works for Gloucestershire and there is mutual benefit” l

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 65

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

PCC fund nears 500 landmark as more sign up to ‘Keep Safe’

Go into many stores, shops and other premises around the county and the chances are you will see the ‘Keep Safe’ logo. For what started as a small group of 10 memory clubs in the Cotswolds, now has more than 1100 shops and businesses signed up and its network reaches throughout the county. ‘Keep Safe’* is one of more than 470 schemes supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Fund since it was launched in 2012. It is also one of 73 projects whose contracts were renewed in the latest funding cycle, which has just drawn to a close, alongside 27 new ones which include: • A Community Safety Partnership scheme to address ‘hidden harm’ in the Cotswolds like stalking and sexual violence • All Nations UK, Gloucester, which is supporting vulnerable young people at the risk of falling into crime • The Door, Stroud, which is expanding its youth support work in Stonehouse

Gloucestershire Life Education and GL3 receiving a Commissioner’s Fund plaque from Priority Lead, Phil Sullivan MBE

• Cheltenham Borough Council’s ‘Child Friendly’ project, part of a year of action to make sure ‘no child is left behind’ • A Community Safety Partnership project

in Tewkesbury targeting anti-social behaviour and • Forest Upcycling which works with PCSOs in the Forest of Dean to identify people at risk of crime in their home. PCC Martin Surl said, “The Police and Crime Plan has always allowed for 1% of the budget to be made available through the Commissioner’s Fund to support community projects and programmes dedicated towards reducing crime and anti-social behaviour. “I have always believed that local people are best placed to come up with answers to problems in their own neighbourhood. The Commissioner’s Fund is evidence of the tremendous community spirit that exists in Gloucestershire. “These are just the latest outstanding examples of how community groups and organisations have embraced new opportunities offered through the police and crime plan.” A full list of Commissioner’s Fund projects can be found at: https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/ l

Caring for Communities and People project in Cheltenham receives a Commissioner's Fund plaque from Deputy PCC Chris Brierley

66 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

PCC says web giants should pay more to tackle the rise in crime

Householders in Gloucestershire are being asked to help meet the cost of the rise in crime, but Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl says it’s the big internet companies who should pay more.

The 10.6% rise was the maximum permitted by the Home Office and saw the average householder’s council tax bill rise by an extra £2 per month. Taking into account rising inflation and other commitments agreed by the government, it meant the Chief Constable had an extra £4.1m to invest. Mr. Surl said, “The Chief Constable made a compelling case and I am grateful both for the support of the County Council’s Police and Crime Panel and to everyone who contributed to the debate through the public consultation. “Gloucestershire already receives one of the lowest grants from central government and I will continue

to lobby for a fairer allocation of funds. I have also made it clear that I think police funding should be the responsibility of national government and that central government cuts are not sustainable and have had consequences. The big internet companies, who must bear much of the responsibility for the increase in web related crime, should also pay their share. “For the foreseeable future, though, the government has decided to put the burden on local people, so we have no other choice” l

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 67

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

The inside of a police cell is surely the last place most people would want to find themselves – unless they happen to be an Independent Custody Visitor. Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) have an important part to play in the justice system in checking the rights, health, wellbeing and treatment of those who are detained by the police. ICVs make unannounced visits to check on the rights, entitlements, well-being and dignity of detainees held in police custody. After each visit, they file a written report with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner on how the police are running custody and whether or not they need to make changes or be praised for best practice. It is then up to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to hold the Chief Constable to account. Volunteers who fulfil the role in Gloucestershire were officially awarded the gold standard at the inaugural Independent Custody Visiting Association Quality Assurance awards. Manager Amanda Segelov, who collected the award at a ceremony at the House of Lords, said: “We currently have 16 ICVs from the local community who come from a variety of backgrounds, ages and sectors. They are completely impartial and carry out unannounced visits at least once a fortnight. “This award is richly deserved recognition for all their hard work and dedication in making sure people who find themselves in custody for whatever reason are kept safe and properly looked after” l It’s official: local custody volunteers are top quality

Bearland was home to Gloucester Police for half a century and, after a brief spell away for refurbishment, the official opening of the new police reception took place in November. Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl surrendered the Constabulary’s 230 year lease on the Bearland building to Gloucestershire County Council in 2015, in exchange for £400,000 and a fresh agreement for rent-free accommodation on the ground floor following modernisation. A number of city based officers and PCSOs operate from Bearland to help police Gloucester Quays, the city centre and the night-time economy. The police reception desk at Bearland is open to the public Monday to Saturday from 0800-2000hrs. Officers and PCSOs are also based at Barton Street and will still be able to assist members of the public, should they go to the station to ask for urgent help. Prior to the first PCC elections in 2012, many valued police stations were either closed or about to be closed. The police and crime plan stopped scheduled closures at Bearland, Barton Street, Cheltenham, Coleford, Hucclecote and Quedgeley, which have all been refurbished l Police return to Bearland after three year absence

68 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

TV dramas set the scene for new sexual advice service

Thankfully, most people will only be aware of the work they do if they watched TV dramas like Broadchurch and Three Girls. But now, Gloucestershire has its own Independent Sexual Advisors Service (ISVA). For the first time in the county, the service is providing support to all genders and all age victims of sexual abuse. The contract to run it for the next seven years has been awarded to Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse (GRASAC). GRASAC’s Louise Williams described it as an important development in the provision of care for anyone who has suffered abuse. She said: “The vast majority of people who seek our services have a mental health need and they can find it difficult to access existing services, which are really fragmented.And when it comes to sexual abuse, because of the added shame and reluctance to divulge information, it further impacts on their mental health. “If they know there is a one-stop-shop that will cater for all their needs, it will help knowing they won’t be pinged around. Their GP or mental health worker will refer them to us. It should be a lot quicker; with a reduction in their mental health needs and a reduction in the impact on other services.”

The Ministry of Justice initiated limited finance for centres like GRASAC four and a half year ago but when Police and Crime Commissioners were introduced, funding was devolved to them. Louise Williams says more and more victims are coming forward because sexual violence and abuse is in the news more and has become a subject for TV dramas, Broadchurch and Three Girls the most recent prime examples. GRASAC is the only sexual violence specialist in the county and was chosen after a competitive process managed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), the Constabulary’s Public Protection Bureau and its domestic abuse and sexual violence coordinator. “PCC funding has been huge”, she said. "It’s enabled us to grow and meet more women and meet demand as much as we can. But we still have a waiting list of over 100 women waiting about seven months to be seen and we still receive two to five referrals a day. “We are fortunate in Gloucestershire that we have the relationship we do with the PCC, not just in terms of funding, but also at a strategic level. It means our voice is heard at the commissioning board and other meetings by people who understand what we do and have faith in what we do” l

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 69

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

The ‘Long eye of the law’ making its presence felt

It has been christened ‘The long eye of the law’. The long range camera used by Gloucestershire Police is the response to the many complaints from the public about dangerous and anti-social driving on one of Gloucestershire’s busiest roads, and it’s had an immediate impact. The‘Long Ranger’, as it’s also been called, was originally launched during an operation on the A417/419, a major strategic route carrying up to 35,000 vehicles a day which links Gloucestershire with neighbouring Wiltshire and is a pathway between the M4 and M5 motorways. It also has one of the worst accident records. In its first month, well over 1,000 speeding offences were recorded, with the worst offender clocked at 126 mph. Other offences too have been captured on film. At the time of publication, the number of speeding offences has risen to nearly 5,000. The camera was deployed at 128 different sites along the A417 from November – March. Tailgating, the use of a mobile phone, vehicle plate offences and failure to use a seatbelt are among the other offences recorded as follows: • Speeding - 4,839 offences detected, of which 33 were speeding at 100mph or more (highest 126mph)

who needed help for other reasons - all in line with commitments made in the Police and Crime Plan. “Part of my job is to react to what the public tell me and I probably get more messages about road safety concerns than anything else. Many people have come to me with their concerns about speeding and other safety issues on the A417 and elsewhere. “My Police and Crime Plan has always been about creating a change of culture on our roads. Making them safer, naturally, but also affecting the way drivers relate to the law and each other”, said PCC Martin Surl l

• Seatbelt offences - 289 • Tailgating (due care) - 42 • Use of mobile phone – 21 • Vehicle plates - 133

But it is not just the long lens camera that is making a difference. The enforcement unit has doubled in size and, for the first time ever, over 100 areas identified by local people as‘community concern’ sites – sometimes referred to as ‘accident black spots’ - are now on the police radar. Police officers have also been on hand to give assistance to drivers who broke down and others

70 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

Home Secretary yet to decide on who directs fire & rescue service

Two years on and the question ‘Who should govern Gloucestershire’s Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS)?’ is still to be resolved. The results of a public consultation showed a clear majority in favour of taking responsibility away from the county council and placing it with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). But the outcome rests with the Home Secretary Priti Patel who is yet to announce her decision. The consultation, which was conducted on behalf of the Office of the PCC, was carried out online, in public and through questionnaires in public buildings. It produced statistically significant results both demographically and in quantity.Respondents included GFRS employees, Gloucestershire Constabulary staff and the general public. When all the responses were analysed, 55% were in favour of reform. All of the information gathered during the consultation was incorporated into the business case which was sent to the Home Office in February l

The options for change • No change / status quo :This would mean Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service remain part of the county council and collaboration is progressed on a voluntary basis. • Representation :This is where the PCC would become a formal part of the existing governance for fire and rescue in GCC, with full voting rights. Gloucestershire County Council rejected this as an option. • Governance : Here the PCC takes on responsibility for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service in much the same way he currently does for Gloucestershire Constabulary. The role would become the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. Police and fire would retain their own chief officers and staff and be operationally independent of each another.This is the option favoured by the PCC. • Single employer :This is where the PCC would take on responsibility for fire alongside the police and also appoint a single chief officer for both services. Front-line services would remain distinct but support services would be increasingly integrated.

You can find out more about it at: www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 71

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

Gloucestershire Constabulary budget breakdown

2018/19 £000 60,930 3,974

2019/20 £000 65,962 4,029

BUDGET REQUIREMENT Constabulary Police Officers PCSOs Police staff Other running costs Capital financing Expenditure Interest and other income Specific grants Net Expenditure Office of PCC Commissioning Fund Total Budget Transfer to reserves

24,869 25,812 2,105 117,690 -3,404 -5,031 109,255 854 1,112 111,221 0

26,732 27,808 1,946 126,477 -3,663 -5,086 117,728 985 1,199 119,912 0

Net Budget Requirement

111,221

119,912

Funded By: Government Grant

59,250

61,565

Collection Fund surplus

955

695

Which leaves council tax payers to fund

51,016

57,652

72 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

The Minister for Policing has announced that for 2019/20 PCCs will be provided with the flexibility to increase the Band D precept by up to £24, without the need to call a referendum. He also announced that total police funding nationally would increase by £500m if PCCs use this flexibility fully. Following this announcement, the PCC asked the Constabulary to present a business case showing how additional funding would be invested. The Constabulary has prepared a case, which supports the priorities of the Police and Crime Plan and recognises that demand on the police has increased over the last few years, and crime is becoming more complex. This plan asks for additional investment of £4.1m, which will provide 80 additional officers and staff to support policing in Gloucestershire. Pay rises and inflation 1,855 One-off pay rise -290 Additional pension costs 2,700 Other additional costs 1,094 Investment in priority areas 4,100 Planned savings -0.768 Budget 2019/20 119.878 Investment in the future The budget includes plans to spend £5m on capital schemes to improve operational effectiveness and service delivery. This will be paid for from government grants, reserves and revenue contributions. How many staff we employ The Commissioner has budgeted to employ the full- time equivalent of 1,924 staff at 31 March 2020 l How our budget compares with last year BUDGET COMPARISON £000 Budget 2018/19 111,221

The Level of Council Tax The bandD council tax youwill pay this year for services provided by the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is £250.49, which is a 10.6 per cent increase compared to last year. The budget has increased by 7.8%, which is made up of:

1.7% PAY RISES AND PRICE INFLATION

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL

COST PER PERSON (per day)

2.4% INCREASED PENSION COSTS

0.48p 0. 9p GLOS. NATIONAL

as

83.6%

the service they received

COST PER PERSON (per day)

3.7% ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 73

POPULATIONOF

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

Police Academy planned for Berkeley

Police

and

Crime

Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl has acquired part of the former nuclear power station site at Berkeley Green, in the south of the county to develop it as a training academy and conference centre. Agreement has been reached with the owners, the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency, for a 150-year lease rent-free at a cost of £600k. The two-storey, approximately

centre of excellence”, said Mr. Surl. David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirstLEP, Gloucestershire’s enterprise partnership, said: “The really positive move by the Constabulary to develop a Police Academy on the site is fantastic news and adds to the already vibrant mix of business and education at Berkeley” l

3,000 square metre building comes with meeting rooms, a canteen, parade ground, limited use of the sports hall and parking for around 250 cars. “I believe the site has tremendous potential and provides us with an exciting opportunity to utilise local talent and contacts that will help us develop our own

74 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

A proud history stretching back to 1839 – but the context is changing

Over the last ten years, policing has changed considerably, not just because of our financial situation but because the nature of crime itself has changed. You will probably now be familiar with phrases like county lines, organised crime gangs (OCGs), child sexual exploitation, modern day slavery and trafficking, cyber- crime, crypto currency, the dark web and sextortion. You may also have seen media headlines highlighting increased reports of domestic abuse, stalking

and we campaign hard to raise awareness of what you can do to protect yourself and others from harm. Although crime rates in Gloucestershire are low compared to most other similar forces, we still deal with around 160,000 incidents annually, with high demand around violent crime, theft and sexual offences. That’s around four crimes every hour. In addition, all of our senior officers hold national and regional roles as we work together on cross cutting and complex issues that affect us all.

and harassment, knife crime and acid attacks. Whilst I am pleased to say that our county is not as badly affected by some of these crime types as others, when it is combined with the enduring security threat, levels of mental health issues and number of vulnerable people in society, these changes have placed significant demand on us. We aim to ideally prevent such events or investigate them and in recent years a huge amount of unseen police activity and intelligence work has resulted in more than 200 years of custodial sentences for the offenders of these very serious crimes committed in Gloucestershire. What we may think of as traditional forms of crime like burglary and theft haven't of course gone away, but the even more sinister crimes have changed the way all police forces operate. Prevention is key to much of our work and we are an example of best practice for other forces in some of that work, particularly in the way we tackle vulnerability, violent crime and hate crime. In addition, every day our schoolbeat officers are working with young people, our roads policing team are addressing road safety issues, our officers are finding and bringing a considerable number of missing people to safety

Neighbourhood policing is an integral part of our work and at the beginning of 2018 we re-introduced neighbourhood policing teams who focus on community engagement and long-term problem solving. You can find out who your local policing team is and what the local issues are in your area by visiting our website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ neighbourhood-policing or by signing up for our free community alert service (Your Community Alerts) where you will receive regular updates relevant to where you live. As the second oldest rural police force in the country, we are a very different organisation to the one formed in 1839. We are proud that our recent Home Office inspection rated us ‘good’ in almost all areas and recognises the considerable progress we have made. We are not complacent though and know we have more to do. We are committed to continuing our improvement journey for the benefit of the people of Gloucestershire l By Gloucestershire’s Chief Constable Rod Hansen

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 75

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

About us - in numbers

78% 77%

77% 77%

78% 78%

78%

77%

78%

77%

78%

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL 0.48p 0. p GLOS. NATIONAL 0. GLOS. GLOS. NATIONAL

0.49p

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL

0.48p GLOS.

NATIONAL

GLOS. GLOS.

NATIONAL NATIONAL

NATIONAL GLOS.

NATIONAL

GLOS.

NATIONAL

COST PER PERSON (per day)

FRONT LINE WORKFORCE

FRONT LINE WORKFORCE FRONT LINE WORKFORCE

ORKFORCE

FRONT LINE WORKFORCE

COST PER PERSON (per day) COST PER PERSON (per day) 70.5% of the public rated Gloucestershire Constabulary as doing an “excellent” or “good” job (-14% since 2010) COST PER PERSON (per day)

COST (

(-14% since 2010) FRO T LINE WO KFORCE

e 2010)

(-14% since 2010)

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL

abulary as

(-14% since 2010) 83.6%

(-14% since 2010)

the service they received

83.6% 70.5% of th public rated Gloucestershire Constabulary as doing an “excellent” or “good” job ted Gloucestershire Constabulary as ellent” or “good” job 83.6% 5% of the p blic rated Gloucestershire Constabulary as doing an “excellent” or “good” job 70.5% of the public rated Gloucest rshire Constabulary as doi g an “excellent” r “good” job COST PER PERSON (per day) Constabulary as hire Const bulary as ” job 83.6% POPULATIONOF 70.5% of the public rated Gloucestershire Constabulary as doing an “excellent” or “good” job

83.6%

8

the

the service they received

the service they received the servic th y receiv

POPULATIONOF POPU ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20

POPULATIONOF

stabulary as

999 CALLS: 72,935 101 CALLS: 233,537 the service they received

83.6%

3 E: 20

0 . 6 1 M +7% (over 10 years)

POPULATIONOF FORCE AREA 1,024 SQUARE MILES

POPU

OPULATIONOF

Crime Data

RIME DATA

POPULATIONOF

999 C LLS: 72,935 101 CALLS: 233,537

ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20 6,809

ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20 C IMES

99 CALLS: 72,935 101 C LLS: 233,537

VIOLENT CRIME ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20

0 . 6 1 M +7% (over 10 years) 1070 306 ROBBERY 4,149 BURGLARY

SEXUAL OFFENCES

FORCE 1,024 SQUAR 0 . 6 1 +7% (over 10 years) 0 . +7% (ov

76 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com CRIME OFFENCES : 7,363 RAGE: 20 TS: 7,363 AVERAGE: 20 6,809 1070 rime Data RIME DATA LLS: 72,935 LLS: 233,537 9 CALLS: 72,935 1 CALLS: 2 3,537 N 363 GE: 20 6,809 1070 Crime Data 4 every hour

8,764 4,419

THEFT

CRIMINAL DAMAGE &ARSON

CRIMES ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20 962 2,411 3,434

ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20 DRUG OFFENCES OTHER CRIMES V HICLE CRIMES

VIOLENT CRIME on average CRIME DATA EXUAL OFFENCES 0 . 6 1 M +7% (over 10 years)

FORC FOR CRIMES C

FO CE AREA 1,024 SQUARE MILES

VIOL NT CRIME

SEXUAL OFFENCES

306

ROBBERY

78%

70.5% of the public rated Gloucestershire Constabulary as doing an “excellent” or “good” job

83.6%

the

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL

NATIONAL

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL

POPULATIONOF

NAL

T LINE WORKFORCE

COST PER PERSON (per day)

14% since 2010)

COST PER PERSON (per day)

public rated Gloucestershire Constabulary as an “excellent” or “good” job

83.6%

999 CALLS: 72,935 101 CALLS: 233,537

ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20

the service they received

stershire Constabulary as good” job

83.6%

0 . 6 1 +7% (over 10 years)

the service they received

POPULATIONOF

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL

POPULATIONOF

Crime Data

RIME DATA

CRIMES

COST PER PERSON (per day)

6,809 1070

VIOLENT CRIME

SEXUAL OFFENCES

FORCE AR 1,024 SQUARE MI 4 every hour on averag

935

ARRESTS: 7,363 DAILY AVERAGE: 20 306

ROBBERY BURGLARY

%

0 . 6 1 M +7% (over 10 years)

,537 RRESTS: 7,363 AILY AVERAGE: 20

the service they received

4,149 8,764 4,419

0.48p 0.49p GLOS. NATIONAL CRIMINAL DAM GE &ARSON 0 . 6 1 M +7% (over 10 years) THEFT

FORCE AREA 1,024 SQUARE MILES

IONOF

962

COST PER PERSON (per day) OTHER CRIMES VEHICLE CRIMES DRUG OFFENCES

CRIMES

ES LENT CRIME UAL OFFENCES BBERY GLARY FT MINAL DAMAGE &ARSON G OFFENCES ER CRIMES ICLE CRIMES 2,411 3,434 ES E &ARSON S 1 M 0 years) nstabulary as POPULATIONOF FORCE AREA 1,024 SQUARE MILES 83.6%

CRIM S

4 every hour

the service they received 4 every hour

on average

on average

very our verage ,363 AGE: 20 S

0 . 6 1 M +7% (over 10 years)

FORCE AREA 1,024 SQUARE MILES

77

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

78 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

‘I could have killed you mum!’ Crash victim re-launches safety roadshow

The blink of an eye; a moment’s lost concentration; and in less time than it takes to read this, a potentially catastrophic car crash. The words (in the headline above) are those of the driver. What prompted them is now available online https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/i-could-have- killed-you-mum-crash-victim-re-launches-safety- roadshow/. It shows what should have been a routine drive home after work, dramatically interrupted when a mother and son’s car overturns late at night on an icy road between Gloucester and Stroud – all captured on the dashboard camera. The seven second soundbite is a chilling accompaniment to a glimpse into oblivion and the brief but terrifying uncertainty that will stay with the couple forever. It is also a salutary lesson to all young and novice drivers and is the essence of ‘What if…?’, a programme developed under the Police and Crime Plan’s Safe and Social Driving priority. Celebrity feature writer Katie Jarvis, the passenger, takes up the story: “At that moment the car just felt like it was flying. It took off and just went straight over. “It doesn’t sound very long but we hit the bank; we turned over; and then we turned over again. “There are two things I remember. When we first turned over I thought: I’m still alive but we haven’t finished yet.We’re still trying to lose 50 miles an hour. Am I going to be alive in the next second? I knew we were still moving, we hadn’t come to a standstill and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. “Worse than that, I had my child beside me. I have never been so pleased to hear him use bad language because I knew he was still alive. But when we came to a standstill, he went quiet. I knew I was alive, but I didn’t know what had happened to him. “It felt like forever before he answered me and said I’m fine”.

For once, ‘miraculous’ seems fitting as Cotswold Life writer Katie, aged 56 from Nailsworth, and her son Miles, who was 20 at the time, escaped severely shaken but otherwise unscathed. They were pulled from the wreckage by passers-by barber Andy Jones and bricklayer Jack Rice who later received Royal Society of St. George Awards. Whilst Miles’ response has been to train as a retained firefighter, to go to the aid of other accident victims, Katie went through it all again as one of the presenters of ‘What if..?’ The safer driving campaign instigated by Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is in partnership with Gloucestershire Constabulary, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, the Severn Major Trauma Network and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) l

What if? Under the Police and Crime Priority for Safe and Social Driving, the ‘What if…?’ campaign targets new drivers in schools and colleges around the county between the ages of 17-24, the age group most at risk of being involved in a serious car crash. Between February 5 and March 29, it was seen by around 3,500 stu- dents, teachers and visitors from 28 schools and colleges. Since ‘What if…?’ was launched in 2016, it’s been seen by nearly 14,000 novice and learner drivers

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 79

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

Dog show winner Bude crowns ‘A Compassionate Approach’ launch

animals as property capable of being ‘damaged and destroyed. “The majority of owners regard them as more than that and ‘A Compassionate Approach’ has been one of the underlying themes of my police and crime plan since day one. It is an obligation to show compassion to all animals and for the police to investigate the theft of domestic animals thoroughly”. Chief Inspector Rich Pegler said, “There is lots of evidence to show that people who are cruel to animals have a similar disregard for human life as well. “The police and crime plan message is simple. Life is precious whether on two legs or four and we are committed to protecting

They say you should never compete for attention with animals and kids. So the Police and Crime Commissioner was taking a risk when he chose a puppy to help him make an important announcement. Not only was PCC Martin Surl at the Cheltenham Animal Shelter Open Day to launch the ‘Compassionate Approach’ element of his Police and Crime Plan – the general strategy for policing Gloucestershire - he also had the challenging responsibility of picking out the best puppy. That honour fell to Bude, a 16 week old ‘Jack Spaniel’ - a cross between a Jack Russell and Cocker Spaniel and named after his birth place in Cornwall - who was judged the best puppy under eight months. A dog owner himself, Martin believes animals should be afforded consideration and respect at all times. It’s why it’s in his police and crime plan. He said, “Where the law is concerned, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering while the Criminal Damage Act 1971 classes

them all” l

80 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

Young voices are crying out for a more child friendly focus

The first tentative steps have been taken towards making Gloucestershire a county where young people enjoy growing up, do not feel ignored and are able to maximise their aspirations and potential to the full. Driven by the Police and Crime Plan Priority of Young People Becoming Adults, a model has been agreed between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), county and district councils, which focuses explicitly on the voices and views of young people. The project was kick-started when the OPCC began assessing what could be done collectively to support all young people in Gloucestershire. “We know that there is a significant amount of excellent work being carried out within the county, but much of it is in silos and therefore not connected”, said Dame Janet Trotter, who is heading up the project for the OPCC. “There are clear gaps in obtaining the collective voice of young people. Decision makers often fail to take sufficient notice of them when developing policy. Our

aim is to help all young people in the county develop their potential by giving them a voice and listening to them systematically. “The new model will mark new ways of working locally and will focus explicitly on the voices of young people”. In particular, it will seek to establish, how best to engage with those in the 0-25 age group in order to find out what they aspire to achieve personally and for the county. The challenge then will be to develop a platform that young people - and organisations and groups working with young people - can use to comment on and promote the achievements of their contemporaries. It is hoped this initial work will involve diverse and representative groups of young people across the county and that it will provide a foundation for enhancing their lives... The aim is to complete this phase by the end of the summer period 2019 to allow an opportunity to launch to a wider audience in the autumn l

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 81

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

Partnership approach to knife crime paying dividends but still no room for complacency

Following a spike in knife-related incidents in 2016, knife crime currently counts for less than one per cent of crime in the county. Recorded incidents in Gloucestershire, defined by the Home Office as ‘knife crime’ over the last three years, were well below those for the rest of the country. During that period, ‘knife crime’ accounted for just 0.85% of all crime in the county. Around 20% was defined as ‘domestic abuse’ and the number of incidents involving young people was in single figures. Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl described it as justification for the approach taken by his office two years ago, when Deputy PCC Chris Brierley brought together representatives from the local criminal justice, health,

education, social and political sectors whose brief was to find a more sustainable approach to tackling youth violence. Mr. Surl said: “Two years ago, when we were faced with serious issues around county lines drug dealing and the needless loss of young lives, we decided on a more radical partnership approach, rather like the Government has also now adopted. “The knife crime summit involved Gloucester’s MP, a crown court judge and representatives from health, criminal justice, education and social sectors. As a result, ‘Safer Gloucestershire’ made it a priority to develop a whole county approach to tackling the problem”. Kate Langley, strategic lead for youth justice in Gloucestershire, said: “There is no quick-fix solution

82 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

overwhelming majority of young people in the county do not”. Since then, Safer Gloucestershire and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office have invested £60k in a post within public health to look in more depth into the root causes of violent crime. It is hoped this will lead to earlier intervention and prevention. DPCC Mr. Brierley, who is also chairman of Safer Gloucestershire, said: “The national news agenda has featured some truly dreadful incidents which give the impression that it’s mostly young people carrying knives – this is absolutely not the case in our county. During the last three months of 2018, only one young person came through to the youth justice service for possession of a knife. “We know there is much to do and are

Gloucestershire is a safe county • During the past three years, incidents defined as knife crime accounted for less than 1% of all crime in the county • The number of ‘knife crime’ incidents involving young people in Gloucestershire was in single figures • Crimestoppers’ 'Fearless from knife crime’ campaign has worked with 30 schools across Gloucestershire and engaged with around 4,000 secondary school students

to this, but the current analysis of the data we collect around types of offences or anti-social behaviour clearly tells us that there are very few young people who carry knives in Gloucestershire and that the

certainly not complacent, but there is evidence that progress is being made and that Gloucestershire is still one of the safest places in the country” l

September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 83

OPCC ANNUAL REPORT

Police and Crime Plan 2017-2021

The Police and Crime Plan, updated in 2017, is the overriding strategy the police must work to. It will be in operation for the next four years and beyond the next election in 2020. You can read it on the OPCC website: https://www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk/ Our priorities remain: • Accountability and accessibility • Older but not overlooked Video illustrations of some of the work being done under these headings are available through the links provided. All of these priorities are aimed not only at making Gloucestershire a good place in which to live, work and visit but also about ensuring a society that is fair, just and compassionate. Plans are also being drawn up for the delivery of two other important elements of the Police and Crime Plan - ‘A green and pleasant county for now and in the future’ which requires the Constabulary to operate in as responsible and sustainable a way as possible; and ‘A compassionate approach’, which extends to animals and their ability to enjoy a life free of cruelty and recognises the link between human wellbeing and animal welfare. • Safer days and nights • Safe and social driving • Safer cyber

• Accountability and accessibility: What’s it like to be held in a police cell? – A brief look at Independent Custody visitors (Title: ICVs) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6BPu78eqTM • Older but not overlooked: ‘Scamming’ older people is now regarded as a hate crime (Title: Hate crime scam) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubyBsI3I8pQ • Safer days and nights: Gloucestershire’s latest non-alcohol venue, supported by the OPCC opens in Cheltenham (Title: Sober Parrot) https://www.facebook.com/ GlosOPCC/videos/2182055618502095/ • Safe and social driving: A parent talks about losing her son in a road crash (Title:A mother’s story) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a97wQZR0H_I • Young people becoming adults: How the Commissioner’s Fund helped turn one young life around (Title: Furniture Bank) https://www.facebook.com/ GlosOPCC/videos/2212252488815741/ • Safer Cyber: How an initiative for helping to keep kids safe online won an award for the two PCSOs behind the project (Title: Safer online) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwH_ ycFHIgc&t=65s

84 | September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com

Want to knowmore? For publicly available crime stats for your area go to www.police.uk and click on ‘Find your neighbourhood’ The Police and Crime Plan in full, together with more information relating to the annual report is available by: Visiting: www.gloucestershire-pcc.gov.uk Emailing: pcc@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk Phoning: 10452 754348 Writing to: The office of the Police & Crime Commissioner No 1Waterwells,Waterwells Drive , Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AN Follow Martin Surl on twitter: @glospcc Office of the PCC: @glos_opcc Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/GlosOPCC

If you would like to see this summary in large print, another language or you just need to have it in another format, please let us know

Coming-up in 2019/20 • Open Day – come and say hello and see what we do • Top of the Cops – PCC and Chief Constable on the road • Officer recruitment accelerates – do you have what it takes? • A green and pleasant county – more electric vehicles for a more sustainable fleet • A compassionate approach – new Constabulary animal welfare scheme launching soon • Police academy – due to open in the Spring • Police and Crime Commissioner elections – May 2020

www. punchline-gloucester .com | 85

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online