cadw de keeping south cymru’n ddiogel wales safe protective …pcclive · 2015-05-07 · 1 june...

Cadw De Cymru’n Ddiogel

Keeping SouthWales Safe

Protective Services Group

Minutes

2009

(Click on the dates to go directly to the agenda for that meeting)

3 March 2009

1 June 2009

20 July 2009

16 November 2009

________________________________________________________________________ Protective Services Group Meeting Tuesday 3 March 2009 1

SOUTH WALES POLICE AUTHORITY AWDURDOD HEDDLU DE CYMRU

At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on Tuesday 3rd March 2009 at 9.30am. Members Present:

Councillors R Lloyd (Chair), T Davies, J Huish, G Kemp Mrs J Whinney.

Officers Present: Mr A Fry Chief Executive Ms C Paul Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services Mrs N Brennan Representing Director of Legal Services

Detective Chief Supt K Isaac Serious Crime, Operations and Intelligence Directorate (SCOID), South Wales Police

Detective Chief Inspector S Powell Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU)

Mrs V Ash Staff Officer to ACC Protective Services Police Sergeant 2954 J Wainwright Attached to Police Authority

Councillor R Lloyd in the Chair 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND WELCOME

Apologies were received from Mr A Ali and Mr J Littlechild JP who were unable to attend. Director of Legal Services, Mr G Madge was unable to attend but was represented by Mrs N Brennan. Chair welcomed members to the meeting and explained that the advertised agenda would be adjusted, bringing forward ACC Paul’s report to the first half of the meeting.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest received. 3. MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

Resolved: Minutes of the previous Protective Services Group meeting on 19th November 2008 were accepted. There were no matters arising.

4. EXEMPT INFORMATION

Resolved: That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involves the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 18 of Part 4 of Schedule12A of the Act and the public interest not to disclose the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.


5. REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE, PROTECTIVE SERVICES 5.1 The report of the Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services, ACC C Paul was

received. 5.2 Protective Services Risk Register

ACC Paul gave an update on the implications that the recent Precept decision by the Police Authority on 24.02.09 were expected to have on the Force Risk Register. Predicted impacts in certain areas were explained, together with any mitigating actions that the Force intends to take. (i) There was a predicted shortfall of approximately £600K in the areas of

WECTU, RART, and TARIAN. A further update on the implications will be explored at the Police Authority Seminar on 16.03.09. In these areas of collaborative services there was now a question mark over the funding that the Force can contribute to the programme and it was classed as High Risk. This collaborative programme has achieved much kudos and recognition for the Force due to its success thus far.

(ii) Analytical Capability: there were no mitigating steps that can be taken in this

area.

(iii) Training FTU to Level 1 Surveillance Capability: this would hopefully be funded.

(iv) New CCTV at Cardiff Airport: the costs were now expected to be met centrally

from Home Office funds.

(v) ANPR: An approach has been made to the Welsh Assembly Government for funds to meet this programme.

In relation to the Risk Register the Chief Executive updated the meeting regarding the appointment of the All Wales Deputy Chief Constable for Wales Central Services. Interviews had been completed and a candidate selected, although the appointment could not be confirmed until the Authority’s budget was finalised. The resumed budget meeting would take place on 16.03.09.

5.3. HMIC Inspection of Police Counter Terrorist ‘PREVENT’ Capability.

During the recent HMIC field inspection to establish progress against the Police PREVENT strategy and delivery plan some areas of the Force’s programme were specifically noted as representing good practice. These were the ‘GOT’ schools programme, the ‘Policing Complex Communities’ programme, and the Police Authority governance structure from a local to the regional level.

5.4 HMIC Inspection of Major Crime and Serious and Organised Crime.

The HMIC inspection in July 2008 judged that both departments ‘meet the standard’ in their respective areas. The 2 major areas highlighted as capability gaps were ANPR and analytical resources.


5.5 Protective Services Capability Assessment.

The Force was currently undertaking a baseline capability assessment and gap analysis based on new ACPO guidelines. The intention was to introduce a rigorous method of analysis across all areas of Protective Services so that progress can be measured and risks prioritised. This would then feed into an All Wales approach to ensure that appropriate collaboration (based on business case) takes place across Wales.

5.6 Olympics 2012 Update.

ACC Paul had made a bid for resources to the National Olympics Planning Team to fund a small planning team in 2009/2010. The aim was to make advance preparations for the Ryder Cup in 2010 and the Olympics in 2012. The bid was not expected to be met for this year, but ACC Paul was more hopeful of the bid being successful in 2010.

5.7 Lessons from Stockwell.

A recent HMIC inspection reviewing national progress following the Stockwell shooting assessed that the Force was performing very well overall in this area. ACC Paul highlighted some specific areas from the HMIC report’s Critical Success Factors: (i) Command and Control of Firearm Incidents. The Force intends to follow the

HMIC in continuing to train the majority of officers of Chief Inspector rank and above to become nationally accredited Silver or Gold commanders for firearms incidents.

(ii) The DSO structure would not be adopted by the Force. The current Gold, Silver, and Bronze command structure would continue to be used.

(iii) Vetting of commanders involved in high level sensitive operations. There were still gaps in the vetting clearances of some senior officers likely to work within the CTU operations room. This gap was common across many forces in England and Wales and was being addressed, although it was estimated that it would take at least 6 months to achieve. There was no national training programme for this and the Force intended to deal with the issue as a matter of urgency.

(iv) Force Gold and Silver Command Books had recently been validated by HMIC. (v) Ambient recording of some high risk firearms operations. The Force did not

currently comply with this guideline but it was a problem nationally. The facility does exist within WECTU.

5.8 Regional Asset Recovery Team (RART).

ACC Paul gave an update on Wales RART performance within the current financial year. There had been an overall increase of 37% in the total amount of the Confiscation and Forfeiture Orders obtained. RART was performing well for the Force, as well as regionally. The Force would like to allocate part of the financial assets recovered to recruiting more financial investigators, as well as providing funds


to BCUs and SCOID. By reinvesting in this way the capacity of the RART to tackle crime would be increased. Monies recovered were currently shared out at 50% to the Home Office, and 50% between the courts, the Force and CPS. On one operation ACC Paul had requested an increase to the share allocated to the Force (with the agreement of CPS locally) but this had been rejected by central CPS. It was noted that despite Orders having been made there could still be problems in recovering the cash and assets.

5.9 Forensic Services.

This area of business had seen an increase in the level of performance over the past year since the contract with the FSS was signed. The FSS had increased their fees by 25% so it had not been possible to deliver any of the expected efficiency savings in this area, as was hoped. The Force had therefore brought forward the process of workforce transformation by 2-3 years and it was expected that figures for efficiency savings would be available at the next Protective Services Group meeting. The improvement in this service had contributed to the Force delivering a quicker service to victims of crime, to raising the sanction detection rate, and to a significant improvement in productivity. Det Ch Supt Isaac stated that on numerous occasions a forensic officer from Chepstow had arrived on scene within 1 hour following callout. This rapid, quality service had contributed to better use of police resources, greater efficiency and a better service to victims of crime. Recommended: ACC Paul would update the Authority on efficiency savings arising as a result of workforce transformation in forensic services.

5.9.1 South and East Wales Air Support Unit.

The Air Support Unit moved from Cardiff Heliport to RAF St Athan in 2008. The performance of the Unit had measurably improved between the periods Feb 2008 to Jan 2009. The unit had established a good working relationship with other agencies at St Athan and negotiations were ongoing for the Unit to obtain permissions to use the facility at Cardiff heliport. It was believed that this could add to the capability of the Unit and enhance performance both for the Force and for the Consortium.

5.9.2 Critical Incidents.

A verbal update was given by ACC Paul and Det Ch Supt Isaac about some of the main critical incidents over the past few months.

6. PRESENTATION ON THE ‘PREVENT’ STRATEGY IN WALES. 6.1 Det Ch Insp Powell from WECTU delivered a presentation on the PREVENT strand

of the Government’s CONTEST strategy. Det Ch Insp Powell was the WECTU strategic lead for the PREVENT agenda. The presentation included an update on the Channel project in Cardiff. After the presentation comments were as follows:

(i) The Chair: structures already exist that require information sharing between

different agencies; these structures should be utilised where possible to


progress the PREVENT agenda by facilitating the flow of community intelligence.

(ii) Det Ch Insp Powell: ACPO TAM had given notification that funds would be provided for a police sergeant in Gwent, Dyfed Powys and North Wales Police areas. They would link in with WECTU to progress the PREVENT agenda in their respective areas. South Wales Police had already received ACPO TAM funding for posts in Cardiff.

(iii) The Chief Executive stated it was important that an awareness of the CONTEST strategy becomes embedded into the normal business of the Authority. The Authority should aim to include a briefing on the implementation of the revised CONTEST 2 strategy (scheduled for introduction nationally from 01.04.09) in an Authority seminar on a date to be confirmed. The Authority was also awaiting confirmation of a date some time later in 2009 (possibly in September) when the Welsh Assembly would arrange regional Community Safety Partnership training, to be run by the Home Office Crime Reduction Team.

(iv) An update was given on the successful ‘PREVENT’ HMIC Inspection for

South Wales. A Force PREVENT re-inspection was anticipated by the end of 2009.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT.

7.1 Meetings Attended by Group Chair, Cllr Lloyd.

The Chief Executive referred to the number of meetings that Cllr Lloyd had attended in his capacity as Group Chair since the Group last met, and the workload involved in this wide ranging portfolio. He suggested that the Group may be more effective in carrying out its role if responsibility for some of the policing areas was shared between Group members.

7.2 Air Support.

Cllr Davies added that during his recent visit to the unit he was impressed by the technical capability of the aircraft and its equipment, and at the unit’s effectiveness in accomplishing a variety of tasks during flights. He recommended that the Force consider greater publicity for the unit, highlighting its capability and effectiveness in combating crime and in support of other policing activities. He suggested that PACT meetings might be a suitable forum for this.

Recommended: Det Ch Supt Isaac would look at creating some suitable material so that the unit can receive positive publicity, thereby contributing towards public reassurance.

7.3 Vetting Status of Members.

The Chief Executive updated the Group regarding the new vetting policy, adopted on 16.02.09. The policy had been formulated in conjunction with the Force Vetting Bureau, and based on their advice, and the principle of proportionality, it was considered that Developed Vetting status was only required for the Group Chair. The Authority would now seek to SC vet all remaining staff and members who are yet to be vetted.

7.4 Criminal Justice Secure E-Mail System (CJSM).


The Chief Executive reiterated that the introduction of the CJSM system to the Authority now allowed members to send and receive data electronically up to ‘Restricted’ level. This was of particular relevance to members of the Protective Services Group. Members received a short demonstration of the system after the meeting.

7.5 National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) Common Minimum Standards.

PS Wainwright explained that in Nov 2008 the NPIA issued forces with a set of common minimum standards across the various Protective Services workstreams. These common standards defined the Protective Services portfolio and they made clear the standards against which forces would now be measured. Work was ongoing now to complete the Authority’s policy on Protective Services, in conjunction with the Force and with PAW. Once this new framework was established, and the capability assessment complete, it would give the Authority a more effective method of measuring Force performance and monitoring progress where gaps were identified.

7.6 Programme of Briefings for Authority Members.

The Chief Executive recommended that following the PREVENT presentation it would be appropriate for the Group members to make suggestions for further briefings that would raise their awareness and knowledge of Protective Services. A briefing on the role of WECTU was proposed and agreed to. This briefing would be combined with the next Group meeting on 01.06.09. Due to the constraints of vetting and physical security within WECTU the agenda would necessarily be GPMS Restricted. Det Ch Insp Powell stated he would facilitate this visit. Det Ch Supt Isaac suggested that the Group may benefit from a briefing on some of the investigative techniques that were used in a recent murder enquiry, and which subsequently lead to a successful conviction. This suggestion was accepted by the Group.

Recommended:

1. Det Ch Insp Powell would coordinate a briefing on the role of WECTU for the next Protective Services Meeting on 01.06.09. 2. Group members would make suggestions to the Secretariat on any subsequent briefings and presentations they required. 3. Det Ch Supt Isaac would arrange for a briefing on the investigative techniques used in a recent historical murder enquiry.

The meeting was closed at 11.09 am

CHAIR

________________________________________________________________________ Protective Services Group Meeting Monday 1st June 2009 1

SOUTH WALES POLICE AUTHORITY

AWDURDOD HEDDLU DE CYMRU At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on Monday 1 June 2009 at 9.30am. Members Present:

Councillors R Lloyd, T Davies and G Kemp. Mr J Littlechild JP and Mrs J Whinney.

Officers Present: Mr C Thomas Deputy Chief Executive Ms C Paul Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services Mr G Madge Director of Legal Services Mr Lyn James Treasurer

Detective Supt M Lynch Director of Intelligence, (SCOID) Allyson Brown Principal Intelligence Analyst, (SCOID) Mrs V Ash Staff Officer to ACC Protective Services Police Sergeant 2954 J Wainwright Attached to Police Authority

Councillor R Lloyd in the Chair 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND WELCOME

Apologies for their inability to attend were received from Cllr J Huish and Mr A Ali. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest received. 3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

Noted: (i) the Minutes of the previous Protective Services Group meeting on 3rd March 2009 were noted for information. There were no matters arising.

4. ACTION TABLE Noted: (i) that it was agreed that the next presentation to the group would

be on child protection. (ii) that DCC Edwards, DCC Central Services, was reviewing

collaborative policing activities within the region. His findings would initially be presented to the Chairs and Chiefs Meeting. All other actions were carried forward.

4. EXEMPT INFORMATION

Resolved: that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt


4. EXEMPT INFORMATION – Continued../ information as defined in Paragraph 18 of Part 4 of Schedule12A of the Act and the public interest not to disclose the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

5.0 REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE 5.1 Meetings Attended by Group Chair, Councillor Lloyd

The report referred to the number of meetings that the Group Chair had attended during the previous quarter and reflected the level of commitment that was required as the lead for Protective Services.

5.2 Protective Services Policy Document

(i) The report considered the draft policy document to cover the relatively new area of Protective Services. This kind of policy was not yet common across all police authorities and acceptance of the policy would enhance the Authority’s ability to exercise oversight of the Force in this area. Protective Services were primarily operational matters and had not previously been subjected to such a degree of scrutiny by the Authority. Presently the Chair of the Group was attending to all areas of business with the exception of Air Support and the scope of such a portfolio was too broad for this to continue if the Group is to be effective. (ii) Paragraph 5 of the policy and recommended that Members be assigned to take responsibility for specific policing areas. The Chair reiterated this point and asked for members to consider the policy document and make their views known to himself or the Deputy Chief Executive before the next meeting by ranking one or more areas of interest in a priority order. (iii) Mrs Whinney asked for clarification on Group members’ vetting status. The Deputy Chief Executive explained that even within the Group there were still outstanding security clearances. However, the Authority’s Vetting Policy was being adhered to in full, and other than two applications, which required further details from the applicant, all members were vetted to the required level, or their clearance was awaited. The Vice Chair believed all members should be vetted to SC level, regardless of their role within the Authority. The Deputy Chief Executive stated that the CJSM system remained an essential enhancement to the Authority’s ability to communicate securely and requested that members make more use of it. (iv) ACC Paul stated that the proposed regional reporting structure as set out in paragraph 7 was not yet confirmed and may be subject to change once DCC Edwards had made recommendations to PAW.

Recommended: (i) that the Protective Services Policy as presented be recommended to the Authority for adoption.


5.3 Protective Services Policy Document – Continued../

(ii) Members to advise the Chief Executive and/or Chair of preferred areas of interest, in a priority order. Deputy Chief Executive is to clarify if the Vice Chair can be allocated some of the responsibilities of a Group member.

6.0 REPORT OF ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE, PROTECTIVE SERVICES

6.1 The report of the Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services, ACC C Paul, was

received. 6.2 HMIC Report – Police Service’s Response to ‘Getting Organised’

Noted: (i) that the report highlighted ongoing outstanding gaps in the

capability of forces across England and Wales, and the threat posed by serious and organised crime. Despite greater collaboration gaps still existed and each force appeared to be addressing the problem in their own way. Nevertheless, within Wales Operation TARIAN and other collaborative operations had been effective. The Force had committed significant resources to collaborative arrangements in this area and there was a perception that the Force was contributing disproportionately compared to other Welsh forces in respect of the dedicated source unit. ACC Paul had raised this with other Welsh forces and DCC Edwards is ensuring that this is taken into account in his review of all the collaboration. On a national basis, it was clear that the areas of highest risk were currently outside Wales, thereby providing assistance to those areas with a higher risk was justifiable in such circumstances.

(ii) A presentation by Det Supt Lynch and Senior Analyst Allyson Brown on the Force’s response to the threat posed by organised crime gangs (OCGs) then followed. A summary of the main points of the presentation is as follows:

• OCG mapping – what is it, why is it needed, how is it being used, and what are the benefits to the organisation?

• OCG mapping is linked by the I-BASE software system to other Force intelligence databases, thereby further enhancing capability. An article is ready for Police Professional and the ACPO Lead has commended South Wales Police for this approach.

• Although OCG mapping was beneficial, the other major challenge was how the force made the best and most effective use of its resources, given that the overall aim was to disrupt or dismantle OCGs to minimise the threat they pose.

(iii) that examples were provided about of how the mapping process had been used to inform the local intelligence picture and subsequent enforcement action against an active


6.2 HMIC Report – Police Service’s Response to ‘Getting Organised’ – Continued OCG currently operating within the Force area. Significantly, the Force was working much more effectively against OCGs by integrating the work at all levels, from local PCs up to Specialist departmental level. Previously the intelligence analysis and operational activity (whether overt or covert) of SCOID departments tended to be separated from BCU resources, but now a more co-ordinated and integrated response was proving to be more effective. This is still a developing piece of work. (iv) ACC Paul highlighted some capability gaps in this area. Notably witness protection, which is a regional issue, and which may become more problematic if prosecutions against OCG members increased, and secondly a shortfall in investigative resources. (v) In response to questions from members Det Supt Lynch stated that HMIC would be carrying out an inspection to check that the Force response to OCG’s and the mapping process was appropriate and realistic. There was no formal national comparison between forces that would indicate how effective each Force’s mapping process was. However, his judgement was that the Force’s position was robust when compared with others, and this was subject to HMIC inspection for an objective, evidence based assessment. He added that a large percentage of OCGs were involved with drug supply but the Force control strategy is focused on a wide area of different areas of criminality. This area of work will be a focus for 2009/10.

6.3 OPERATION TARIAN Performance Report 2008/09

ACC Paul brought the above report to the attention of the Group and highlighted the following: • Some of the work being undertaken within TARIAN was unique within England

and Wales. For example, after securing convictions in one recent operation involving drug supply a survey was carried out in order to measure the impact of the operation on public confidence. One of the difficulties with such operations had been measuring performance, especially if the operation itself was primarily covert, and because the outcomes in terms of public satisfaction are difficult to measure. The survey showed some very positive results.

• Related to the same operation, the results provide a direct evidential link between organised criminality, anti-social behaviour, and public confidence.

• OPERATION TARIAN involved collaboration with a large and growing number of other agencies.

• There had been an increase in the number of intelligence reports disseminated. • There was a much better picture of what is happening regarding OCG activity

both inside and outside Wales.


6.3 OPERATION TARIAN Performance Report 2008/09 – Continued…/

• There had been a significant increase in the amount of assets recovered by RART using the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), some of which came back to the Force for reinvestment.

6.4 Home Office Consultation document ‘Protecting Crowded Places’

ACC Paul was seeking to apply the principles laid out in the above document across the Force area. The document applied only in England but ACC Paul believed that such issues could be best be taken forward by local authorities. In order to achieve this the Force will seek to influence policy at Welsh Assembly Government level. This would be progressed through the WAG Contest Board.

6.5 Lord Laming’s report on Child Protection Following the findings of the Child P enquiry in London the Force undertook a review of its child protection procedures, in common with partner agencies involved in child protection. Work has been carried out to assess the management and delivery of child protection procedures down to BCU level. Following on from this the inspection team had circulated a consultation document to BCUs for their views and observations. Once replies were received an action plan would be created, together with (Red, Amber, Green) values. In general the Force had experienced excellent working relationships with partner agencies in this field. This area of business is always an area of high risk and will be an agenda item for the next Protective Services Group meeting.

6.6 Verbal Updates on Critical Incidents ACC Paul provided a short update on several recent murder investigations and other critical incidents. Some were subjudice

6.7 Olympics 2012 Update

The Force submitted a baseline plan which was presented to the Olympics Committee in Nov 2008. The Force was revising this plan in line with the recommendations of the Committee. The Force wanted to resource the events at the Millennium Stadium to a level based on the Force’s own risk assessment and the national planning assumptions had been challenged by the Force, but a compromise position would need to be achieved.. The Chair and ACC Paul recently attended the NOSOG planning meeting at Authorities were informed that there would be no extra money provided for security matters. The Vice Chair expressed concern that the Force would end up having to pay to resource these national events properly and questioned whether there was any other alternative way of funding the anticipated policing costs. The Force was considering sending staff to Vancouver to gain planning insights as there are sporting facilities there that very closely resemble the Millennium Stadium in terms of its inner city location.

6.8 Firearms Incidents – Overview of Incidents within the Force Area 2008 Figures for 2008 showed a significant increase over the previous 4 years. The Force was examining the recording of such incidents to ensure that at both Force and BCU level , that the increase was appropriate.


6.9 SCOID Dashboard Performance Figures

ACC Paul highlighted some of the recent performance figures for SCOID departments, notably: theft from Motor Vehicle (Scientific Support Unit); reported Domestic Violence per 1000 population, and rape per 1000 population (Public Protection); fatalities and seriously injured in road traffic collisions (Roads Policing); distraction burglary and OCG level 2 disruptions (SOCTF); intelligence products (FIB). The Vice Chair commented that these were excellent figures and commended the work going on within SCOID departments which had contributed to this level of performance.

The meeting ended at 11.00am.

CHAIR

Protective Services Group Meeting Monday 20 July 2009

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At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on Monday 20 July 2009 at 09:30hrs. Members Present: Councillors T Davies and R Lloyd. Mr J Littlechild JP, Mrs J Whinney and Mr A Ali. Officers Present: Mr A Fry - Chief Executive Ms C Paul - Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services Mr L Hill - Deputy Director of Legal Services Detective Supt K O’Neil - Director of Intelligence (SCOID) T/Supt S Furnham - Principal Intelligence Analyst (SCOID) DCI S Powell - WECTU Mrs V Ash - Staff Officer to ACC Protective Services A/Detective Insp J Dyson - Attached to Police Authority

Councillor R Lloyd in the Chair 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE The Chief Executive reported that Councillor J Huish had resigned from the Police Authority. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest received. 3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Noted: Minutes of the previous Protective Services Group meeting 1 June 2009 had been endorsed at the AGM on the 29 June 2009. 4. ACTION TABLE Noted: (i) the anticipated funding shortfall was unlikely to impact on the operational function of WECTU, RART and CTIU. (ii) £75,000 worth of efficiency savings had been secured from the collaborative work being done around Forensic Science. Long term would be significantly greater savings. (iii) Air Support Unit presentation to be considered for November Protective Services Group meeting. (iv) A/DI Jim Dyson together with the Chair to develop a matrix to consider suitable presentations at subsequent meetings. Consideration would be given to cyber crime at the November meeting.


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(v) A/DI Jim Dyson to develop a matrix to allocate Members to appropriate areas of Protective Services. (vi) D/C/Supt Isaac to deliver a broader presentation to Members at a future seminar around investigative techniques. 4. EXEMPT INFORMATION Resolved: that under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12,13,14,16,17 and 18 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act and the public interest in disclosing it. 5. FIRST YEAR CONTRACT REVIEW OF THE NORTH WEST, SOUTH WEST AND WALES FORENSIC PROCUREMENT CONSORTIUM

The Chief Executive reported that he and the Chair had attended a meeting of the North West, South West and Wales Forensic Procurement Consortium on 18 June, 2009. The Consortium had considered a first year Contract Review and the Report was submitted for the Protective Services Group’s discussion.

It was highlighted that the programme had been particularly successful in that its original target was £4.5 million in efficiency savings and had achieved £4.2 million. The 2nd year target had been set at £5 million and it was deemed to be achievable. It was noted that South Wales Police efficiency savings totalled £75,000 and Councillor Davies asked if South Wales Police were potentially subsidising the process. ACC Paul was expecting a report on “What the future looks like” for the collaborative process and she would report back to the Group in November.

Recommended: ACC Paul to await the report regarding the future of collaborative forensic work and update the Group in November. 6. PRESENTATION FROM DETECTIVE SUPERINTENDENT K O’NEILL IN RELATION TO CHILD PROTECTION

A broad overview of the Public Protection Department was delivered encompassing the challenge around the increase in sexual violence of 13 – 15 year old females, the reduced funding and need for commonality for SARC’s across South Wales. D/Supt O’Neill highlighted the positive reduction in attrition rates of sexual violence in court which was attributable to strong collaborative partnership work, improving investigative practice and clear and effective strategy and tactics.

Recommended: A/DI Dyson to circulate a copy of the presentation to all Police Authority Members. 7. PRESENTATION FROM T/SUPT STEVE FURNHAM IN RELATION TO TERRITORIAL POLICING

Four key areas were addressed in the presentation: Civil Contingencies, Swine Flu, Public Order Public Safety and the outcomes and learned lessons from G20.


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7. PRESENTATION FROM T/SUPT STEVE FURNHAM IN RELATION TO TERRITORIAL POLICING – Continued../

The South Wales Police response to swine flu was explained highlighting the planning around business continuity. The recommendations around G20 had been considered and although a number of them form part of existing practice a review was taking place to ensure compliance and the delivery of a proportionate and lawful response to POPS situations.

Recommended: A/DI Dyson to circulate a copy of the presentation to all Police Authority Members. 8. REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE, PROTECTIVE SERVICES

The report of the Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services, ACC Paul was received.

8.1 All Wales Public Protection Principles

ACC Paul presented a report for the Members to note. The report highlighted the activity around Public Protection across Wales and the collaborative approach to this. It recognised the complex environment that existed for all involved. An attached appendix developed certain principles against RAG with the following methodology being adhered to.

• During a meeting held in April 2007 involving Chief Constables and Chairs of

Police Authorities across Wales, it was agreed that a review should be undertaken to consider collaborative working opportunities within Public Protection.

• The All Wales Heads of Public Protection Working Group determined that the initial phase of the review should cover “Structures within Public Protection” and “Child Abuse”.

• Comprehensive data collection was undertaken from all four Welsh Police Forces. • Strategic Leads for Public Protection were interviewed. • Engagement took place with all four Police Authorities. • The standards were agreed, in principle, by the senior operational leads for Public

Protection in July 2007. • Agreement was sought during September 2007 from Chief Constables and Chairs

of Police Authorities for the Principles contained within this document to be adopted across Wales.

• The review of domestic abuse was completed in April 2008 and further views were ongoing in respect of adult abuse, managing sex and violent offenders and missing persons.

8.2 Policing Pledge – SCOID

ACC Paul had identified and developed an action plan for SCOID linked to the policing pledge which had been built on objectives set by National Quality of Service Commitment, Victims Code of Practice and the Witness Charter. ACC Paul together with D/Supt Isaac would be visiting all areas of SCOID to ensure implementation of the action plan and identify how this was being introduced.


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8.3 Firearms Inspection

A provisional firearms licence was granted to South Wales Police in 2006 based on the fact that the force was actively working towards codes of practice. An inspection was conducted in 2008 with a series of recommendations which had now been achieved and full sign off was expected in 1 week.

8.4 Contest 2 Launch

The Welsh launch of Contest 2 took place in Cardiff on the 15 June 2009. The purpose was to deliver the revised objectives around the four P’s: Pursue, Protect, Prepare and Prevent.

8.5 Prevent Update

DCI Powell provided an overview and update regarding Prevent. He advised that the thematic from HMIC had been published highlighting that the police service had made good progress and that funding had been used effectively. The HMIC report made 6 recommendations which would be addressed via the Force Contest Board and regional tasking and co-ordination forums. DCI Powell commented on the fact that the current challenge around Prevent was how we assess performance, what does it look like and the broader challenge was linking and aligning public satisfaction and public confidence.

8.6 Prevent Post Funding

A detailed report from ACPO Council Committee on Territorial and Allied Matters was attached to the agenda detailing the Prevent Post Funding.

8.7 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

ACC Paul explained that the Home Office had reduced the funding of SARC within South Wales by £20,000 causing the loss of an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. ACC Paul had agreed to address this shortfall to ensure continuity of service for the victims of sexual violence and service provision for South Wales Police.

8.8 Critical Incidents

Members’ attention was drawn to five critical incidents within the Force. 8.9 The Effective Management of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences in South Wales

Following the presentation of a series of papers surrounding the Management of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences in South Wales a Joint Agency Action Plan had been developed which had been risk assessed and had clear ownership and accountability.


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8.10 Ports Inquiry – Verbal Update

ACC Paul and UKBA attended the Commons Select Committee and addressed the panel both in public and private session. The findings and accounts during the session were the subject of a public document.

Recommended: ACC Paul would arrange for a copy of the document to be sent to Members. 8.11 ACPO E-Crime – Verbal Update

ACC Paul explained the developments surrounding E and cyber crime and the work that she was currently undertaking both locally and nationally in countering this crime. There were some significant developments which South Wales Police were benefiting from.

Recommended: Presentation from ACC Paul in relation to E/Cyber Crime at the Group’s next meeting. 8.12 Covert Policing and Human Rights – Verbal Update ACC Paul invited a Member of the Police Authority to provide a lay person approach to Covert Policing and Human Rights compliance within South Wales Police. Recommended: The Group to consider this proposal and identify a member to review CPHR.

CHAIR The meeting ended at 12:10hrs.


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At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on Monday 16 November 2009 at 09:30hrs. Members Present: Councillors T Davies, G Kemp, R Lloyd and Sue Waller-Thomas Mr J Littlechild JP, Mrs J Whinney and Mr A Ali. Officers Present: Mr A Fry - Chief Executive Ms C Paul - Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services Mr G Madge - Director of Legal Services Ch/Insp A Davies - DCI (CID) Alyson Brown - Principal Intelligence Analyst DCI S Powell - WECTU Supt M Lynch - Force Director of Intelligence S Burke - Ch / Supt, Head of SCOID S Mackenzie - Det Supt (SCOID) Insp J Wainwright - Staff Officer to ACC Protective Services Mr Ian Brewster - Regional Scientific Support Manager (It. 9.5) Ms Sue Poole - Partnerships Manager

Councillor R Lloyd in the Chair 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE There were no apologies for absence received. 2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST There were no declarations of interest received. 3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Noted: Minutes of the previous Protective Services Group meeting 20 July

2009 had been endorsed at the Police Authority meeting on 28 September 2009.

4. ACTION TABLE

Noted: (i) that the presentation on Air Support would not be delayed

beyond the February 2010 meeting

PART ONE 5. REPORT (PART 1) OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE, PROTECTIVE

SERVICES

The report of the Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services, ACC Paul was received.


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5.1 Implementation of the new Firearms Manual

Noted: (i) The new manual would be made available on the website as it was an unrestricted document.

(ii) the main changes focussed on standardising command titles so there was joint-inter operability

(iii) that there were no immediate financial implications, with any requirements being met by existing recourses at present

Recommended: that ACC Paul keep Members up to date as implementation

progresses 5.2 Strategic Co-ordination and tasking

Noted: (i) ASB had been included in the Force Control Strategy for the first time in order to ensure a coordinated, force wide approach.

(ii) That the All Wales threat hierarchy was included to allow comparison between this and the South Wales threat hierarchy

(iii) That whilst counter –terrorism appeared to be rather low down in both threat hierarchies, this was due to the threat being mitigated by WECTU.

(iv) That in relation to risk in South Wales the Force was generally compliant with ACPO minimum standards with any non-compliant areas being managed by the Force Protective Services Strategy Board.

5.3 PUBLIC PROTECTION 5.3.1 Missing persons:

Noted: (i) that whilst 6,500 missing person reports was very high, the actual proportion that resulted in a crime or victim was very low. However, in terms of workload all 6,500 needed some level of investigation

Recommended: that figures for under 18s be further broken down to include

those under 13 yrs and those between 13 yrs – 18yrs 5.3.2 Domestic Violence: Noted: (i) That the new national model for risk assessing victims of

domestic violence (DASH) was being implemented in South Wales via a training programme.

(ii) That as the outcome of getting the risk assessment wrong could be murder this was being afforded a high priority within the Force.

5.3.3 Serious Sexual Offences and Rape:

Noted: (i) That South Wales’ recognised work in this area was at least in

part due to the good partnership approach with SARCs (Sexual Assault Referral Centres)


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(ii) That the joint inspection of the CPS and South Wales Police was due to take place 14/15 December

5.3.4 E-crime: Noted: (i) That this was a huge and rapidly expanding area of business but one in which South Wales had made good progress.

(ii) South Wales’ approach had centred on speeding up the time taken to examine digital media by adopting a two tier approach that filtered out unnecessary items being submitted to the Hi Tech Crime Unit and utilised skills of officers appropriately to the level of risk

(iii) At an All Wales level an e-crime Wales partnership had focussed on prevention work and was seeking European funding as part of a consortium with 11 countries to secure and expand this work.

(iv) That it was likely that this area of work would need to expand in the future.

Recommended: That future performance figures should reflect the changes

made to the e-crime processes and procedures within the Force

5.3.5 Schengen Information System (SIS): Noted: That ACC Paul was the UK lead on this work area which increases inter-operability of information systems between EU Member states. 5.3.6 Roads Policing: Noted: (i) The IPCC had written to Chief Constables to highlight their expectation that any police pursuit would be expected to fully meet the ACPO guidance in respect of requiring control room ‘authority to continue the pursuit’.

(ii) That pursuits of motorcycles would be only authorised in exceptional circumstances (iii) That this did represent a cultural change for the organisation

which was being managed via the Control Room by the Force Incident Manager

(iv) That the inappropriate use of ‘blue lights’ would be tightly Controllable once the IR3 vehicle tracking system was in place; and that Members would have the opportunity to consider the potential benefits of this system at the Planning Seminar in December

(v) That in terms of policing of the M4 and the traffic service update progress was slow and that SWP resources were still therefore required.

Recommended: ACC Paul to provide figures on the numbers of officers and

cars still required on the M4 and the anticipated savings once the service was fully in place.


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5.3.7 Public Order: Noted: That although South Wales Police was recommended to have the

capability to deploy 24 Public Support Unit officers – that there were further reviews on-going led by ACPO Public Order and Public Safety (POPS) working group and that the outcome of this work should be awaited. South Wales Police would be represented on the working group. The ‘theoretical’ shortfall was not felt to compromise the Force at any level at present.

PART TWO 6. EXEMPT INFORMATION Resolved: that under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involved the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12,13,14,16,17 and 18 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Act and the public interest in not disclosing it outweighed the public interest to do so. 7. PRESENTATION BY SUPT LYNCH ON THE FORCE STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT

Supt Lynch gave a very useful overview of the development of the Force Strategic Assessment, which was a key document in formulating the Annual Policing Plan. The Strategic Assessment included an assessment of crime and disorder occurring in South Wales and its potential impact over the next 12 months. An environmental scanning process followed which enabled the Force to prioritise issues according to the level of threat and taking into account crime trends and resourcing issues.

The assessment of the level of threat was measured against impact in six areas:

• injury • community harm • reputational / political impact • criminal capacity / level of organisation • volume of offences • economic impact.

As an example, whilst looking simply at current levels of domestic burglary might suggest it should be a low priority there was also the consideration that the Force did not want to risk losing its good position in this area by removing it from the strategy. In relation to resources the Force recognised the need to be as effective as possible, including ensuring synergy between BCU / Force / Regional and national levels; evaluating ‘what works’; ‘selling success’ and being effective in partnership engagement and collaboration. Noted: The Force Strategic Assessment was available for Members but on a

“read only” basis at the Police Authority office.


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8. PRESENTATION BY CHIEF INSP DAVIES, ALYSON BROWN AND S MACKENZIE – PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AND ORGANISED CRIME: ‘STREET LEVEL UP’

The presentation set out the work the Force was undertaking to improve its approach to tackling organised crime and increasing public confidence. The basis of the work, led by ACPO, was improving connectivity between Level 1 and Level 2 crime through closer internal and external collaboration and a ‘street level up’ approach. The new approach focused on the theory that misuse of Class A drugs drives Serious Acquisitive Crime (SAC). ‘Street level up’ meant taking a holistic approach to the problem rather than just concentrating on a particular criminal activity, and using the whole range of resources to tackle the problem rather than working in silos. For example, making use of ‘street level’ community intelligence, involving drug treatment agencies, ensuring that tactical options were joined up with Neighbourhood Policing Teams and that objectives included tackling fear of crime and public confidence rather than simply arresting offenders. The approach also meant looking to the future to ensure that problems didn’t simply move to the next area or that new crime groups moved into the gap left by arrests. Key structural changes were necessary in the Force’s analytical services to bring Level 1 and Level 2 intelligence under central control, in place of the very separate arrangements that used to exist. In addition, the development of an intelligence hub, NEXUS, to bring together a wide range of data sources, including NICHE, telecoms and community intelligence had enabled analytical work to be speeded up considerably. These changes were requiring significant investment of resources (e.g. new posts, software licences) but were already seen to be bringing positive benefits in tackling organised crime. They would continue to be embedded over the next 12 months. In addition to these intelligence led changes it was recognised that there needed to be a different approach in terms of setting community objectives from any operation as well as objectives such as the number of arrests or amount of drugs seized. This meant involving Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the extended policing family in operations, leafleting households to tell them about high profile arrests, using PACT meetings, being prepared with a media strategy, ensuring magistrates were aware and if appropriate working with other local partners or businesses to ensure that any impact in local services or the economy could be addressed. Independent Advisory Groups were also to be kept updated of progress. This area of work was believed to be clearly linked to the Policing Pledge in terms of delivering what communities wanted and in improving public confidence. Figures were beginning to show how successful this approach could be in terms of disruption to drugs markets and it was also hoped that community confidence in areas where this approach had been adopted would also indicate increases in public confidence ( via before and after surveys). In discussion Members were keen to find out how quickly this way of working could be spread across the whole force area as many areas suffered from Class A drug


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problems. ACC Paul responded that in terms of ‘Force Tasking’ this way of working had been taken out to other areas and that the re-structuring in intelligence was underway as described. However, it was not just about new investment but also about improving both internal and external partnerships and overcoming a silo approach to policing.

9. REPORT (PART 2) OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE, PROTECTIVE

SERVICES The confidential report of the Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services was

received. 9.1 Major Crime: Noted: That ACC Paul updated Members on the Sandra Phillips

legacy investigation and current murder investigations , of which there were 9 having commenced since 1st July 2009

9.2 Critical Incidents:

Noted: (i) That an event potentially aimed at radicalising young

Muslims and additionally attracting a counter demonstration had been managed through good joint work between the Police, local authorities and the local Muslim community.

(ii) Dog Bite (22/09/09): that following a police operation a little girl, with no connection to the operation, was bitten by a police dog; there was no serious injury and the IPCC declined to take further action. The dog passed a subsequent HO assessment.

(iii) Wales Defence League: that a planned protest which was expected to attract a counter demonstration was successfully policed; planning included consultation with the IAG.

(iv) Gas Explosion, Merthyr (30/10/09): emergency planning response had been called into operation, but was fortunately managed without the need to evacuate large numbers of residents. Follow up work had included target hardening and advice on bogus callers / distraction burglaries.

(v) University Hospital Mortuary Closure: the forensic pathology service to the 4 forces was reinstated in September. However, CPS advice was awaited with regard to further action in respect of the problems.

(vi) ACC Paul gave a verbal update on ‘Prevent’ work on-going in collaboration with Muslim Council of Wales and local communities.

9.3. Specialist Crime, Operations and Intelligence Division (SCOID) Performance

Report April - September 2009 Noted: That copies of the half year report were only to be viewed at

the Police Authority offices or at offices of BCU Commanders,


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with advance notice. ACC Paul hoped the report would be useful for Members to see and would welcome their feedback.

Recommended: ACC Paul would look into the provision of an abridged version

of the full year report so that it could be made more fully available for Members.

9.4 South Wales Police Strategic Assessment:

Noted: That copies of the Strategic Assessment were similarly only available to be viewed in PA office or at BCU Commander Offices.

Recommended: (i) That the Chief Executives office make copies of the Strategic Assessment and SCOID half year report available for all Members to view in the office.

(ii) That Members wishing to view the documents at BCU Commanders offices give advance notice of such request so that arrangements could be made.

9.5 Future Forensic Analytical Services

Noted: (i) That a number of options for the future contract were set out in ACC Paul’s report, and that, whist the existing contract with FSS would continue until March 2011, a decision on the future direction for the Force was ideally needed by the end of December 2009.

(ii) That the focus for any decision should not be price alone, as quality was vital in this area

(iii) That options considered the size and membership of any consortium approach, and the level of capacity in the market

(iv) That it was disappointing that savings from the original consortium approach had not been as high as anticipated but that this was at least in part due to the higher than expected workload.

(v) That the Force was looking to bring some services ‘in –house’.

Recommended: That the Chair of the Group, Chief Executive and Assistant

Chief Constable (Protective Services) be authorised to take any appropriate action necessary to safeguard the Authority’s interests.

10. RISKS IDENTIFIED AT THE MEETING Noted: There were no new risks identified from the meeting.

CHAIR

The meeting ended at 12:25hrs.

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