Issue - meetings

To provide members with an update on Community Safety Partnership work at a local and county level (report of the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership enclosed).

Inspector Matt Dickinson will also be in attendance for this item.

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Wellbeing and Community Leadership which provided members with an update on Community Safety Partnership work at a local and county level.

The Community Safety Manager and Inspector Matt Dickinson were in attendance for this item.

The Community Safety Manager reminded members that following agreement at the 15 November 2023 Performance Monitoring Panel meeting, the Crime and Disorder Report would be provided annually and scheduled according to the release of annual data. The following points were highlighted from the report:

• Regarding ‘complex cases’, whilst these had previously been viewed from an anti-social behaviour and enforcement perspective, the team had identified that many such cases required a mental health focus. Following discussions with the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership, a Task and Finish Group was set up which recommended that communication between Community Safety Teams and Mental Health Services be improved. A process had been implemented to this effect and work was ongoing;
• The following information was appended to the report:
  • Community Safety Strategy Action Plan 2023-24 at Appendix A;
  • Enforcement action to address Anti-Social Behaviour in South Holland 2023-24 at Appendix B;
  • Safer Lincolnshire Partnership Annual Report 2023-24 at Appendix C (including sub-appendices); and
  • CCTV Annual Statistical Report 2023-24 at Appendix G.

Members considered the report and made the following comments:

• Members were aware that some residents had been affected by cannabis fumes from neighbouring properties and gardens and enquired about the legality of such activity and whether support was available for those affected. How could such activity be reported?
  • The Community Safety Manager responded that:
    • A Noxious Odour Procedure (outlined at page 107 of the agenda) had been implemented across Lincolnshire;
    • Reports of incidents could be made direct to the council or agencies (for example Police/Housing Association) and the Noxious Odour Procedure would be followed; and
    • Members were advised to contact the Community Safety Manager Support regarding support requests for specific cases;
  • Inspector Dickinson confirmed that the possession of cannabis in any location was a criminal offence. The use of enforcement was facilitated through the partnership working with local councils.

• Members referred to the Community Safety Strategy Action Plan 2023-2024 specifically in respect of the Safety of Women and Girls noted at page 75, and requested an update regarding the progress of CCTV.
  • The Community Safety Manager confirmed that whilst the report included data relevant to the partnership area, South Holland was not awaiting upgrades to its CCTV equipment; and
  • Inspector Dickinson responded that CCTV review capability had been made accessible to all police officers based at Spalding Police Station. A part-time volunteer was also in place to undertake reviews on behalf of the police. Due to the increased capacity, it was anticipated that the utilisation of CCTV would increase. Inspector Dickinson invited all Ward Members to contact him directly regarding any specific issues affecting their wards.

• Members asked how Community Payback options were being explored. Could an update be provided in this respect for South Holland.
  • The Community Safety Manager  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21