Verbal Update
Minutes:
Superintendent Jason White attended to provide an update.
- A general update was provided on Newport east and west activity.
- The Superintendent provided context regarding the current focus of policing in the area, such as dealing with prolific offenders.
- The Superintendent confirmed that the police service has allocated more police officers working at night.
- A multi-agency approach has been taken to dealing with homelessness, reducing the number of people that become homeless as well as helping people already experiencing homelessness to access appropriate services.
The Bishton Community Councillor noted concerns to the Superintendent that police Community Councillors haven’t attended their council meetings.
The Bishton Community Councillor noted that these meetings take place once a month and highlighted that they would like some of the meetings throughout the year to have a police presence.
- The Superintendent confirmed that he would take the action back and follow up this up.
The Marshfield Community Councillor stated that they had set up a chairs forum with other community councils such as Wentlooge, as well as recently meeting with the Councillor Allan Screen where issues that are common to many areas are discussed.
The Marshfield Community Councillor mentioned that issues relating to the area had been raised with Officer Wetly. It was also noted that assurances were made in relation to police attending community meetings in order to better exchange information between the police and community councils. The Marshfield Community Councillor stated that following this the meetings weren’t attended by the police and as a result he felt that rural community councils were being inadequately served.
- The Superintendent informed the Community Councillor that Officer Wetley had moved on from their role and that he had noted the request for a police presence in the area.
The Marshfield Community Councillor highlighted that he felt collaborative work and a consistent dialogue were essential to the partnership approach.
- The Superintendent highlighted that there had been contact with people who had formerly served as Community Councillors regarding specific incidents.
The Marshfield Community Councillor felt that feedback wasn’t always provided when issues were raised. .
- The Superintendent highlighted that he is aware of the issues they face and will speak to Officers in those wards as well as raising the issues with Community Councils directly.
- The Superintendent reinforced the importance of the police’s relationship with Community Council’s and the benefits of the collaborative approaches and positive relationships.
The Marshfield Community Councillor explained that they were aware the police surgeries were being reduced and the Community Council had highlighted this with their ward member to escalate. The Marshfield Community Councillor considered that strong working relationships with the Community Councils can be helpful to both the police and community in terms of sharing intelligence and relaying key information to the residents.
- The Superintendent noted he would speak with the relevant Officers in the following week to discuss steps that could be taken to strengthen the links with Community Councils and the communities they serve.
- The Superintendent noted that there was a pressure concerning the resources available and the current demand, and functions are being evaluated in order to allocate the available resource in the most effective way.
- The Superintendent also highlighted several areas that there is focus on including the time taken to answer non-emergency calls on the 101 number.
The Wentlooge Community Councillor informed the Superintendent that apologies weren’t always given by police Community Councillors that were expected to attend Community meetings in Wentlooge.
- The Superintendent confirmed a written update could be provided if officers were unable to attend in person.
The Wentlooge Community Councillor asked if confirmation of police attendance could be provided before notices were promoted.
The Penhow Community Councillor asked how they are able to get in contact with Officer Childs who covers their community area.
The Superintendent provided the details of the officer.
The Graig Community Councillor noted that there hadn’t been a police presence in a number of years, and highlighted concerns that Community Councils weren’t being updated by the police. The Graig Community Councillor further commented that they would typically expected police to attend a meeting on a quarterly basis in order to allow two-way feedback and exchange of information.
- The Superintendent noted that work conducted in other local areas focused on engagement could be replicated for the community councillors, and he has asked neighbourhood officers to provide some feedback related to engagement.
The Graig Community Councillor asked about action taken by police to improve engagement and help reassure the community in relation to a recent local incident.
- The Superintendent noted that ancillary orders had been put in place regarding those involved in the incident, and the police had been working in partnership with the Registered Social Landlords and other organisations. The Superintendent went on to say that it is important to understand that the police can’t deal with issues in isolation. The Superintendent further highlighted that a civic injunction was placed at the address.
The Graig Community Councillor asked whether some of the outcomes of this incident could be used to help prevent similar issues.
- The Superintendent confirmed that a multi-agency meeting regularly takes place, where police and partners review incidents and issues, and the police also have a central problem-solving hub that could be accessed by other officers.
The Rogerstone West Community Councillor informed the meeting that police reports are regularly provided to the Rogerstone Community Council.
The Llanwern Community Councillor asked if police Community Councillors could attend meetings remotely as an easier alternative to attendance in person.
- The Superintendent confirmed that this could be looked at.
The Marshfield Community Councillor felt that for her Community Council, a physical presence is preferred as it helps encourage respectful behaviour of those attending the meeting.
The Marshfield Community Councillor also requested an update on the current structure of the officers in the area.
- The Superintendent noted this could be sent out although several officers positions have recently been changed. The Superintendent highlighted that Newport has recruited recently, and whilst this means that the overall numbers of officers has increased, it will take some time for the inexperienced officers to develop their skills, knowledge and experience. The Superintendent noted that there would be a focus on patrols and ensuring a visible presence in Marshfield and other Community Councils.