Information

Welcome and introductions.

 

Attendees:

PFCC Danielle Stone (DS)

DPFCC Marianne Kimani (MK)

Jonny Bugg (JB)

Paul Fell (PF)

Vaughan Ashcroft (VA)

CC Ivan Balhatchet (IB)

DCC Ash Tuckley (AT)

Colleen Rattigan (CA)

Sarah Crampton (SC)

Stuart McCartney (SMc)

 

DS welcomed everyone to the problem-solving meeting.

 

 

Action Log

 

In relation to the increasing the number of officers per 1000 head of population, the Deputy Chief Constable provided an update. In response the Commissioner asked the Force to provide some modelling relating to the delivery of this increase. The Force have also agreed to examine the most similar group (MSG) regarding comparative data relating to the number of police officers per person in Northamptonshire and review if there is a more realistic aspiration to work towards. The DCC also noted the importance of ensuring expectations of what the force can deliver are effectively managed. The PFCC responded and noted the use of technology could deliver more efficiencies. The PFCC then sought assurance on the delivery of improvements to vetting. The DCC responded and assured the PFCC that more work is being delivered to maintain the improvements. A further Domestic abuse review has been added to the Accountability Board in 6 months however the Commissioner requested an update on progress in September. The Force will ensure the latest Force Management Statement has been sent to the Commissioner and will provide updates relating to the training and use of TechSafe. The Commissioner also requested that data relating to the use of citizens in policing be captured and fed into the National Social added value portal.

 

Resource allocation

 

The DCC introduced the item and noted that a lot of work had already been undertaken to better understand demand and how to best allocate funding. He then asked the Head of Strategy (CR) and Quality Assurance and the Head of Performance and Business Insights (SC) to provide a briefing on the work that is being undertaken. CR also agreed to provide some updates on the work relating to increasing the number of officers. CR then provided a briefing on strategic demand and resourcing and explained the opportunities to realign service delivery to realise efficiencies and ensure the priorities in the Safe and Sound plan are delivered. SC explained how improvements in extrapolating data will support this work. CR then noted the problems of hidden demand and silo working. The Commissioner asked if teams had moved away from a silo working approach and was told that examples had been found. The Commissioner then noted that if anyone has an innovative idea, it should be heard and asked if that happens. CR explained the governance structure in place to receive and consider all ideas that are submitted. CR then explained that the force has had valuable feedback from HMICFRS in relation to the work being undertaken and it was noted that more work is needed from the force to rigorously evaluate projects to learn what works which could then inform the FMS.

The Commissioner asked about citizens in policing and whether the force captures the added social value that occurs. She then explained businesses want to support the police through added social value and asked if that is being captured as well. The DCC noted that for Special Constables, it would be easy to collate some information, but for non-warranted staff it would be more difficult. SC then provided an update on the Live Capability Assessments which help the force better understand demand. The Commissioner asked how the force planned for the extra demand of new developments, SC explained that is delivered through ongoing demand management monitoring. The Commission then sought clarification relating to ‘hidden demand’. The DCC explained how some crimes can lead to a lot of extra demand on the force.

The Commissioner thanked everyone for the briefing and noted a lot of good work was being delivered and that is a huge task.

 

 

AOB

 

The OPFCC Chief Executive introduced a late item of business relating to the use of technology to support vulnerable victims. The DCC provided the meeting with a briefing relating to the history and the use of the technology within the force. He was asked if the related infrastructure is not in place, should the force be still using the technology. The DCC responded and noted he had received some assurance relating to the operation of the technology but would look further into the issue. He agreed to provide an update to the Commissioner within four weeks.