Agenda and minutes

Welcome: The Chairman welcomed members, new members and members of the public.

Apologies: Apologies for absence were received from Cllr T Arbour, Mr P Burrows-Smith, Mr J Demont, Mrs S Godfrey, Cllr L Jaeger, Mr A Johnston, Cllr C Head, Cllr B Khosa, Mr J King, Mrs S Kramer MP, Cllr P Morgan, Mrs H Page, Cllr D Williams and Mr K Wood.

Resignation: The Chairman announced that Mrs Clare Phelps had stood down as

the representative for Strawberry Hill Residents Association and that Mr Matthew

Hull had taken her place.

To approve the revised minutes of the meeting held on 31 July 2007 – To Follow.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 31 July 2007 were received and approved and the Chairman authorised to sign them.

Responses for Mr MacPherson (minute 6).

Appointment to the Executive Committee (minute 5)

Members noted that Mr Jarvis had inadvertently been omitted from the list of Executive Committee members.

To be presented by Chief Superintendent Rick Turner – circulated separately to members of the CPP.

(a) DCS Turner referred to his report and said that he would not repeat all the information other than to say that there had been improvements in almost all crime areas and the figures were encouraging.  Page eight and nine of the report showed the highlights with the total Comparator Crime figures showing a decrease of 17.5 percent, which equated to 696 fewer victims than for the same period the previous year.  His main concern was residential burglary where the Sanction Detection rate was 17.7 percent and under the traffic light rating was on red (Sanction Detection was where a charge was made, a summons was given or an offence was taken into account).  One perpetrator had been apprehended and had admitted a number of other burglary offences, which led DCS Turner to believe that burglary would be on green for the next report.  GEC stood for Gun Enabled Crime and Richmond was not GEC borough.  The Sanction Detection Rate of notifiable arrests was at 24.6 percent (target 24%) and he would like to see that figure continue to improve.

(b) DCS Turner then spoke about Stop and Search/Stop and Account and said that for the first time the figures were accessible on the Internet.  He reported that under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 his officers had to have a legitimate reason to make a Stop. He expected them to be respectful, polite and give the reason for the Stop. Transparency and accountability were key.  A leaflet explaining the reason behind Stops was given with the report form.  See also at minute 28 below.

(c) DCS Turner informed members about an incident that happened near Barnes Railway station on Friday 21 September in the early afternoon, which involved an attack on a young woman.  The perpetrator had been apprehended some time later and charged with the offence, he was now awaiting sentence (he was also wanted in Norfolk for similar offences).

(d) DCS Turner tabled copies of the “Glossary of Terms” used in his report as requested at the last meeting.  With reference to those, Mr Bell asked that KIN and EBA be added to the list.  Mrs Lawtey said that there were a number of useful website of police acronyms, which are sets out below:

http://society.guardian.co.uk/glossary

http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/glossary.htm

http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/policy/index.asp?id=3774

An opportunity to raise any questions or concerns relating to general policing matters, which affect the whole community.

(a) Ms Edwards spoke about a serious incident that had happened on a bus recently when a driver had been abused by a group of young people. She asked if it would be a police or a transport problem. 

ACTION: Ms Edwards to let Mrs Taylor have the information after which DCS Turner would deal with the problem.

(b) Mr Jarvis raised the issue of mobile phone use by car drivers and said that although there was a reduction after the legislation was brought in, it seemed to be on the increase again.  He asked if the problem was monitored and what interventions were used.  DCS Turner advised him that about 20 percent of drivers nationally were using mobile phones while driving.  He was unable to give details of interventions but said that his officers issued fixed penalty notices when people were stopped and caught using their mobiles.

(c) Mr Tyson spoke about three cars that had recently been broken into on the Embankment at Twickenham and asked if there had been any other incidents in the near by area.  DCS Turner said he would make enquire and if there had been he would find out what action had been taken.  The Chairman advised Mr Tyson to speak to his SNT.

(d) A member of the public was concerned about the police response to people with mental health problems, she knew of women that should have been transferred to hospital but instead physically taken by the police without concern for their state of mind.  She also asked if police officers were trained to deal with people with mental health problems.  DCS Turner asked if she could provide examples as she was making serious allegations.  With regard to training all officers underwent extensive training in order to recognise and deal with a number of medical issues including mental health.  The lady went on to ask about the police complaints procedures and was informed that if people were not satisfied with the service they received they could make a complaint.

(e) Mr Hull raised the issue of South West Trains policy on fare evasion, which he thought was illegal if every effort had been made to pay for a fare before travelling but that had not been possible.  Dr Cable MP said that he received extensive letters from the public about the issue and that it was a duty to purchase a ticket before travelling.  DCS Turner said that travelling without a ticket was fare evasion, which was a criminal offence.

ACTION: Dr Cable to keep the CPP informed of any progress on the above. Further information would be sought about Travel Watch, which Mr Vaughan Williams had mentioned.  http://www.londontravelwatch.org.uk/

(f) Ms Westmorland raised the issue of PCSOs travelling on buses (for which they did not have to pay) rather than travelling on trains where they had to pay.  She said that it would be far quicker for Barnes officers to travel by train as that was the furthest part of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

The Royal Parks Operational Command Unit Report, which covered the first four months of the current financial year 2007/2008, was noted.

The Chairman reported that the Safer Parks Police Panel was meeting that evening.  She had attended the meeting held in August and said that it operated differently to the CPP’s PLGs.  The CPP would receive their minutes and follow the work they were undertaking.  One of the concerns was that species of fungi (specific to Richmond Park) were being removed and Councillor Jones explained what had been happening.  With regard to contingency plans for the borough’s Parks following the recent foot and mouth outbreaks, the Chairman said that information about any change in the current situation would be forwarded to members.

The Chairman’s attendance at meetings on behalf of the CPP was noted.  She highlighted the following events:

·         More children than previously had attended the Barnes Youth Diversionary Project held during the summer holiday. 

·         Amongst the local London Week of Peace (LWP) activities were a community breakfast and the setting up of a Young People’s PLG at Whitton Secondary School, attended by 150 pupils.  They had been a great success and a number of white doves (the symbol of the LWP) had been released at both events.

·         The “Training” session for PLG Chairs and Secretaries, held the previous evening, had been a great success and would be repeated in the future.  The Chairman thanked Mr Bell, CI Burt, Mrs Lawtey and Mrs Taylor for their contributions.

The launch of Dog Watch in Barnes was being held on 29 September.

The Vice-Chairman reported that the highlight of her meetings had been the LWP dinner at the Savoy Hotel.  She spoke in detail about three of the awards given to young people who had made outstanding contributions to their school or the community. 

The Chairman said that the LCP2 was progressing well and that she would provide further reports in due course. The LCP2 Newsletter had been emailed to members recently.

The information regarding the legislation, use and selling of fireworks was noted.  All the information could be downloaded from the Respect website.  The Chairman suggested that the SNTs should provide copies for various outlets in their Wards particularly those selling fireworks.  Mrs Lawtey said that the Council’s licensing officers and Safer Streets officer were dealing with some of the issues.  DCS Turner would speak to his officers about the issue.  Concern was expressed about the use of fireworks used during prohibited times and the effect fireworks had on pets. Fireworks info: http://www.respect.gov.uk/members/article.aspx?id=8328

ACTION: Information about fireworks safety would be included on the agenda again in September 2008.

For information.

The Group’s budget monitoring report April to mid September 2007 was noted.  The Treasury Sub-Group would be meeting shortly to discuss the CPP’s funding to date.

Members were updated on the progress of the 2008 Conference and reminded that it would be held on 13 February 2008 at the RFU.  The theme for the event was “Knives, Guns and Gangs”, which might change as a result of the information set out at 27 (d) below.  A further progress report would be given at the next meeting.

(a)        Green, Safe and Clean Weeks

(b)               CCTV

(c)        LGBT Forum

(d)        Week of Peace Events

Mrs Lawtey referred members to her report, which had been tabled.  The report set out details of the following:

(a)        Green Safe and Clean Weeks

The report set out the in detail the outcome of the issues and the statistics raised at the Green, Safe and Clean Weeks held in South Twickenham and Heathfield Wards during July and August.  Mrs Lawtey spoke about the activities at the events held on 22September at the “In Town without Your Car” event and the Christmas campaign that would be launched in due course.

ACTION:  Mrs Taylor to advise Ms Westmorland of the contact details for overhanging vegetation.

(b)       LGBT Forum

The LGBT Forum was progressing well and reports would be given in due course.

(c)            London Week of Peace

Details of the local LWP activities had been reported at 25 (a) above.

(d)            Gangs/Groups

Mrs Lawtey spoke about Hallsworth and Young’s (2006) definition of Gangs, Peer Groups and Organised Crime Groups.  Summaries of the definitions were set out in the report.  Members discussed other terms that young people used to define themselves.  The Chairman said that members should be aware of the difference between the three categories.  The information should be shared with member’s organisations.

(e)       CCTV

Mr Johnston had been unable to attend the meeting.  A report would be available at the next meeting.

Oral update from Carole Atkinson.

The Vice-Chairman reported that she still represented the borough on the Community Monitoring Network Stop and Search Group and was community representative on the Section 44 Strategic Committee.  The Vice-Chairman and CI Enoch they had undertaken a fifth “dip” of the boroughs stop and search statistics.  Eighty-three forms had been selected and analysed and some interesting facts had emerged including that more than half of those stopped came from outside of the borough.  Once again there was no evidence of discrimination.  The increased use of Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 was a tactic to deter and disrupt terrorist activity across London.  After the next “dip” a full report would be produced.  The next local meeting was on 22 October.  DCS Turner said that terrorists moving through the borough were a reality.  CI Enoch tabled a paper setting out the breakdown of stop and searches by age, gender and ethnicity. 

Report to follow from Inspector Debbie Brown.

The Chairman thanked Sergeant Chapman and Inspector Debbie Brown for the very detailed Safer Transport Teams report, which was noted.  The Team was made up of an Inspector, two Sergeants, one Police Constable and 18 PCSOs.  The team was responsible for combating crime and anti social behaviour on committed on transport routes across the borough.  A number of initiatives were planned for the coming months the results of which would be reported in due course. 

ACTION: A further report to be provided for the January 2008 meeting.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 September would be circulated in due course.

No meetings had been held recently.

The next meeting was planned for 10 October.

The next meeting would be held on 1 October.

The CPP to be advised a future date.

The next meeting would be held on 3 October.

No date had been set for a further meeting.

The notes of the recent meeting would be circulated in due course.

No date had been set for the next meeting.

Attached.

The Sheen Newsletter was noted.

The next meeting was being held on Thursday 27 September.

The next public meeting was on 24 October.

The next meeting held would be held on 11 December.

The next meeting was being held the following evening, 26 September.

The next meeting was being held on 8 November.

The next meeting was being held on 2 October.

Members to note that Councillors Head, Jaeger, Jones, Khosa and Williams have been appointed to the CPP for the ensuing year; Councillor Sheehan is the Deputy.

Members noted that Councillors Head, Jaeger, Jones, Khosa and Williams had been appointed to the CPP for the ensuing year; Councillor Sheehan was the Deputy.

Cllr Jones asked that efforts be made in the future to ensure that CPP meetings did not clash with those of Council.  It was noted that the same problem would arise in November when Council would meet on the same date as CPP.  Both Council meetings had been changed from their original dates.

The reports, which now more clearly set out, were noted. 

ACTION: At Mr Vaughan-Williams request BTP would be asked to include Kew Bridge station in the data.

Summary of the Thematic Review of the LGBT Related Murders – Appendix I

Entire document attached.

The Summary of the Review was noted.

These dates were identified at the previous meeting and members will be asked to note them for meetings in 2008, all of which will be held at 7.00pm at York House:

Tuesday   29 January

Tuesday   25 March

Tuesday   27 May

Tuesday   29 July

Tuesday   30 September

Tuesday   25 November

The following dates were noted for meetings to be held during 2008, all of which would be held at 7:00pm at York House, Twickenham.

            Tuesday   29 January

            Tuesday   25 March

            Tuesday   27 May

            Tuesday   29 July

            Tuesday   30 September

            Tuesday   25 November

NB It should be noted that in the past, meetings had been held at other venues in the borough, which had proved to be unsatisfactory.

(a) Mr Davies spoke about police officers using electronic notebooks.  He was informed that BTP had been using them for some time and the Met was looking to trial them in the future.

(b) Mrs Style asked if there was an update on the borough’s new telephone system. DCS Turner said that since its launch on 17 September there had been some minor problems.  He was meeting the Chief Superintendent at Kingston to discuss the issues.

ACTION: DCS Turner to give an update on progress at the next meeting.

(c) Miss Richards asked if the Data Link canisters would be available in the future.  This was an initiative brought to the then PCCG some years ago.  The borough’s Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator had taken on the responsibility for producing and circulating them previously. It was thought that there was no longer any funding available.

ACTION:  Mrs Taylor to discuss with the Chairman how to resurrect the initiative.

(d) Mr Tyson asked about progress on the PLG leaflet for Twickenham Riverside.  Mrs Taylor said that a number of them had already been circulated.  Mrs Taylor reiterated that all PLGs had the opportunity to have one produced for their Ward and that they should contact her for details.

ACTION:  Mrs Taylor to confirm the number of PLGs that had produced one for their ward and would contact those that had yet to do so.

(e) Mr Hood referred to the issue of the Meres Estate (minute 13 (a) of the July 2007 meeting) and reported that work was to be carried out to update the CCTV Cameras by the end of the month.  The community had been consulted on the overgrown hedges and had not wanted them cut back.

(f) Mr Bell informed members that on Thursday 29 November at 7.30pm in the Clarendon Hall, York House the Twickenham Society was hosting an event entitled “A View from the Beat and the Bench”.  DCS Turner and Eileen Stuart-Clarke were the speakers.  All were welcome to attend.

(g) Copies of the MPS/MPA Annual Report 2006/2007 were tabled.

ACTION: Mrs Taylor to order further copies for three members.

Tuesday 27 November 2007.

The next meeting would be held on Tuesday 27 November 2007 at 7.00pm at York House.