PCPs – TO 2015 AND BEYOND

1. 'You have reached your destination’: scrutiny's role on the road to better places 10 June 2014 PCPs – TO 2015 AND BEYOND Katie Benton Scrutiny Officer Mike Chard Policy Officer

2. Overview… • National context of Police and Crime Panels: upcoming general election and the future of PCCs • Local context of Police and Crime Panels: sharing the burden of work • Facilitated session on successes and challenges of policing scrutiny post-reform, including a review of the Home Affairs SC recommendations • Facilitated session on proactive scrutiny • Feel free to ask questions throughout!

3. National Context… • Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 • Police and Crime Commissioners • Police and Crime Panels • Government policy to ‘hold police forces to account’ and ‘strengthen the bond between the police and the public’ • Elections held 22 November 2012, PCCs in post until May 2016

4. Looking to 2015… • Less than a year to go • Party Conferences October 2014 • Now seen as four-party race • Is Police and Crime a topic at the fore of the public’s mind? • Pro-PCCs: Conservatives and Liberal Democrats • Anti-PCCs: Labour and UKIP • Likely that PCCs will serve out their term until May 2016, so important that PCPs ensure statutory functions remain fulfilled

5. Local Context… • Hampshire Police and Crime Panel • 20 Members • PCC: Independent Simon Hayes • Main Successes: complaints, confirmation hearings, enthusiastic Panel, improving relationship • Main Challenges: access to timely and detailed information, public engagement, complaints • Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel • 20 members • PCC: Anthony Stansfeld (Conservative) • Main Successes: High quality engaged independent co-optees, PCP conference, rapporteur reports • Main Challenges: access to performance information, geography, strategic vs. local

6. Successes and Challenges • CfPS report – Police and crime panels: the first year • Home Affairs Select Committee interim findings

7. Facilitated Session Activity One • Ten minute discussion on the first two years that Panels have existed. Identify: • one challenge on your table that you haven’t been able to overcome and potential resolution (what is the obstacle?) • one area where a Panel has had real success locally (how did you do it?) • Use flipcharts to record discussions – will write these up post-conference and share learning. • Ten minutes to share with the room key thoughts from each table, and to open up to the floor to alternative resolutions to challenges.

8. Proactive Scrutiny • Hampshire model: afternoon sessions following formal meeting, scrutiny review model • Thames Valley model: two task and finish groups per year, themed meetings • Are some issues re this: • Are Panels overstepping the line? (HASC evidence) • How engaged are the public and partners? • Should Panels stick only to statutory elements? • How else can Members fulfil their ‘support’ role?

9. Facilitated Session Activity Two • Twenty minute discussion on proactive scrutiny. • Key Question: What has worked in your area – either through PCPs or in your authorities generally – that can be applied to this area of Police and Crime Panel scrutiny and support? • How can PCPs increase visibility? • Should PCPs engage with public and partners? • Use flipcharts to record discussions – will write these up post-conference and share learning.