Issue - meetings

The Police & Crime Commissioner, Mr Winston Roddick, CB QC, has been invited to the meeting to discuss with the Council the role, impact and operation of the PCC and how the PCC and police and crime plan work with/for Flintshire in partnership.

(a)      That the presentation be received; and

(b)       That Mr. Roddick be asked to provide a written response to any further

            supplementary questions submitted by Members.

The Chief Executive welcomed and  introduced Mr. Winston Roddick, CB QC, who had been invited to the meeting to discuss the role, impact and operation of the Police and Crime Commissioner and how the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the Police and Crime Plan work with/for Flintshire in partnership.

Mr. Roddick thanked Members for their invitation and introduced Julian Sandham, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sharon McCairn, County Chief Inspector for Flintshire, and Rhian Roberts, Policy Officer.

Mr. Roddick gave an overview of his role, powers, and responsibilities as Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.  He advised that he was the link between the professionals who delivered policing services and the public who received those  services. He explained that the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner was unprecedented and that he had been elected to office two and half years ago.  He said that he worked full-time and that his performance was scrutinised by the independent Police and Crime Panel.   He had an overarching duty to secure an efficient and effective police force which demonstrated value for money and reduced crime. He referred to his four main duties which were to:

·         Set out the priorities for policing in North Wales

·         Decide the budget for North Wales Police

·         Hold the Chief Constable to account; and

·         Listen and respond to the public’s views on policing 

Mr. Roddick commented on his wish to nurture a solid partnership with Flintshire County Council and expressed particular appreciation for the support of the Chief Executive on community safety work.   He commented on the need to work closely with partners to secure long term solutions to crime and disorder and referred to the many different types of organisations he worked with to ensure improved services to the people of North Wales. He advised that his role specifically involved working in partnership with the four Community Safety Partnerships in North Wales, the North Wales Safer Communities Board and the North Wales Regional Leadership Board.

            Mr. Roddick reported on his vision and priorities for the future and the outcomes he sought to achieve which were security in the home, safety in public places, and a visible and accessible policing service. He referred to the Police and Crime Plan which sets out the police and crime objectives, performance and accountability to deliver the required outcomes.  He said the Plan must have regard for the national strategic policing requirements.  The four police and crime objectives were:

·         To prevent crime

·         To deliver an effective response

·         To reduce harm and the risk of harm

·         To build effective partnerships

Mr. Roddick commented that in the current period of severe financial austerity North Wales Police faced significant financial challenges and delivery of the  above objectives and the achievement of the outcomes were challenging.  

Mr. Roddick commented on the consultation undertaken on the Police and Crime Plan and the Commissioner’s expenditure plans.  He reported that he had developed an integrated victims’ strategy incorporating the key themes of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33