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One of the key roles of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales is holding the Chief Constable to account for the performance of the local Force against the priorities in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan. This plan is put together in consultation with local residents and, in North Wales, local PCC Andy Dunbobbin’s priorities are delivering safer neighbourhoods, a fair and effective criminal justice system, and supporting victims and communities.
The PCC scrutinises the work of North Wales Police through a wide variety of ways, including the quarterly Strategic Executive Board. At this meeting the PCC and his team meet with the Chief Officers to review overall Force performance, including against the Police and Crime Plan priorities. At the most recent meeting, which took place on 15 February, the PCC reviewed the Force performance in respect of visibility and engagement, and burglary.
The PCC examined areas including:
- How North Wales Police listens to communities and their concerns.
- How Neighbourhood Policing Teams update communities on issues that have been raised.
- The arrangements for regular visits to areas to increase visibility and speak to people in their cities, local towns and villages.
- How North Wales Police can be more accessible to communities using platforms like the Force website and Community Alert.
The PCC also had a detailed briefing on how North Wales Police investigates burglary. This included how burglary is responded to once it is reported, how it is investigated, and how the “We Don’t Buy Crime” initiative is being rolled out across North Wales. This is a campaign that takes a holistic view on stopping acquisitive crime and the harm it causes. Acquisitive crime is crime such as burglaries and robberies, where the offender profits from the crime.
At the meeting, the PCC also heard how offences are investigated and of the targeting of offenders and the use of both conventional and covert police work. On burglary, the PCC places great emphasis on offences being prevented in the first place, but if they do happen, he emphasises a professional and effective response by North Wales Police.
PCC Andy Dunbobbin said: “I have been clear in my manifesto and in my Police and Crime Plan that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of this plan and the foundation upon which all other priorities are to be delivered. The Strategic Executive Board enables me to examine how the Chief Constable is performing in these critical areas.
“At the most recent Board I examined a wide range of performance data and also wanted to concentrate on the areas of visibility and engagement, and burglary. The need for the public to see a visible presence and be able to speak to Officers and staff is hugely reassuring when delivered effectively. I know from the many meetings, events and general discussions I have with the public that a reassuring police presence is hugely important to our communities.
“I fully support the Chief in the roll out of the “We Don’t Buy Crime” initiative that aims to tackle burglary and other such crimes. At the Board I was reassured that the Chief has a focus on all of these important areas, and I will continue to scrutinise how North Wales Police performs on these issues.”
Residents can learn more about the Strategic Executive Board and read minutes of past meetings on the OPCC website here: Scrutiny of Policing Services | Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner North Wales (northwales-pcc.gov.uk)