cadw de keeping south cymru’n ddiogel wales safe

Cadw DeCymru’n Ddiogel

Keeping SouthWales Safe

Protective Services Group

Minutes

2010(Click on the dates to go directly to the agenda for that meeting)

8 February 2010

4 May 2010

19 July 2010

1 November 2010

Protective Services Group Meeting Monday 8 February 2010

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SOUTH WALES POLICE AUTHORITY AWDURDOD HEDDLU DE CYMRU

At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on Monday 8 February 2010 at 09:30hrs.

Members Present: Councillors T Davies, G Kemp, R Lloyd Mr Arjan Ali, Mr J Littlechild JP, Mrs J Whinney

Officers Present: Mr A Fry - Chief Executive Mr Lyn James - Treasurer Mr G Madge - Director of Legal Services T/ACC R Lewis - T/ACC Specialist Operations Chief Supt S Mackenzie - Specialist Crime, CT & Profession Sgt M Greenfield - Staff Officer to ACC Protective Services Ms Sue Poole - Partnerships Manager

Mr Andy Bruce - Wales Audit Office (attending as observer)

Councillor R Lloyd in the Chair

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE & WELCOME

Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Sue Waller –Thomas, whose father had very recently died and also from T/ACC Sally Burke who was on leave. The Group extended their condolences to Cllr Sue Waller-Thomas and welcomed T/ACC Richard Lewis who was attending for T/ACC Sally Burke. The Chair also welcomed Andy Bruce of Wales Audit Office to the meeting as an observer in connection with the forthcoming inspection of 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 16 November 2009 were due to be endorsed at the Police Authority meeting on 15 February 2010.

PART ONE

4. REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Noted:(i) That the publication ‘Prevent - a strategic framework for Police

Authorities’ by the APA was a useful guide and this would therefore be circulated to all Members

(ii) That within Wales much Prevent work, and the wider Counter Terrorism agenda was delivered and monitored at an all Wales level by WECTU and PAW and the Chief Executive assured the Group that this All Wales approach was thorough and effective


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(iii) Mr Madge highlighted to the Group that due to new statutory provisions in the Police and Justice Act 2006 that collaboration agreements such as WECTU and TARIAN would need to be revisited, probably in March. Mr Madge would liaise with the Chief Executive(s) over this work

(iv) That Members had welcomed the briefings provided by officers and that these would be continuing. Members were also invited to make suggestions for presentations to the wider Group to the Chief Executive before the next meeting.

Resolved:

(i) That a joint report be brought to the next meeting setting out how the priorities and actions included on page 19 of the APA Guide were being met at both the South Wales and All Wales level

(ii) That DCC Andy Edwards be invited to the next meeting to update Members on the All Wales approach

(iii) That the Protective Services Group matrix be updated to reflectstaffing changes in the Force for Lead Member contacts

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

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

(a) PRESENTATION ON THE WORK OF THE AIR SUPPORT UNIT

Supt Graham Lloyd and Insp Gary Smart gave a very interesting and informative presentation on the work of the Air Support Unit.

Noted: (i) That this work was managed jointly with Gwent Police and since 2008

was provided via a contract with Bond Air Services, a worldwide business. The helicopter was leased rather than owned and this gave 99% availability of helicopter flying time.

(ii) The air support unit was utilised for a number of different purposeswith its main advantage being the very high specification camera and imaging it could provide, from a distance of up to 7km, and with full night vision. Images were of sufficient quality to be presented as evidence in court.

(iii) Examples of uses included surveillance, tracking, searching for missing persons, providing evidence from road accidents, monitoring of public order.

(iv) The air support unit could drastically reduce the amount of officer time needed on the ground and thus whilst the value of saving a persons life, or re-opening a road more quickly could be difficult to judge, in terms of saving police time/resources the helicopter was extremely effective. Cost –benefit analysis was provided in the Part 2 report appended to the papers.

(v) A national air strategy was being produced and it was somewhat worrying that this was suggesting purchasing of aircraft between Forces. South Wales Police would be very reluctant to do this preferring to maintain leasing arrangements


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(vi) Although the current contract was due to run to 2015 the Force would be starting work soon in preparation for contract renewal.

Resolved:

(i) That Supt Lloyd circulate figures for usage of the helicopter for each BCU

(ii) That Members wishing to visit the Air Support Unit contact the Chief Executive’s office in the first instance

(b) ACTION POINTS FROM 16/11/09 GROUP MEETING

Noted:(i) That in relation to missing persons Members were provided with a

further breakdown of figures between those aged 13 to 18 years and those under 13 yrs

(ii) That in addition, this was an area which was taken extremely seriously by the Force, especially in relation to vulnerable people, and was included for the first time in the Force Control Strategy.

(iii) that the ACPO / Home Office review of the management of Rape and Serious Sexual Offences in mid-December had resulted in a generally positive report, including partnership arrangements and the provision of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

(iv) That in relation to rape detections Members queried the figures provided; for example a detection rate of 125% in Northern area BCU.This was to do with the timing of detections in relation to when the rape occurred.

(v) That Members queried the split between rape by a stranger compared to ‘domestic or partner rapes’

(vi) That in relation to the figures to be provided on the numbers of officers and cars still required on the M4 and anticipated savings once the Traffic Officer Service was fully operational, the trial had only started that day, with three vehicles deployed and a total of 18 staff. Since May 2009 when the Force service was withdrawn South Wales Police had attended 10% fewer calls on M4 and arterial routes and 10% more BCU related calls.

Resolved:(i) That for Missing Persons a breakdown should be provided indicating

numbers from care homes, the timescales in which cases are resolved, how they are resolved i.e. those that turn up compared to those that have to be found and any other issues such as seasonality

(ii) That a short briefing be provided on rape indicating the breakdown between stranger or ‘partner/domestic’ rape

(iii) That in relation to the new traffic service Members be updated as to any impact the change in service has had on speeding on the M4

(c) NEW CHIEF OFFICERS PORTFOLIOS AND COMMAND STRUCTURE

Noted: Members were provided with the new structure for the Command Team


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(d) LOCAL SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN’S BOARD FUNDING ISSUES

Noted:That in response to the query initially raised by the Merthyr Tydfil LSCB T/ACC Sally Burke was writing to each of the LSCBs to clarify the levels of funding needed for specific purposes. A Force wide business case could then be put to the Director of Finance for consideration.

Resolved:That a follow up report to the next Protective Services Group should be provided indicating what level of funding if any was to be provided by the Police to South Wales LSCBs.

(e) HMIC REPORT – ADPATING TO PROTEST (PART 2)

A supplementary report on this topic was presented at the meeting having been inadvertently missed from the papers.

Noted:(i) That whilst the two HMIC reports were very much focussed on the

Metropolitan Police Service there were learning points for South Wales and in consequence a gap analysis had been produced in relation to those items under the direction of the Force

(ii) That Mr Madge highlighted to the Group that a focus on the Force’s compliance with the Human Rights Act could provide an appropriate approach for monitoring public order policing; and that whilst care needed to be taken not to stray into ‘operational’ policing territory that he supported the Lead Member’s continued involvement as described.

Resolved:(i) That the Chief Executive would follow up with the APA in respect of

the recommendation that ‘Common Guidelines for Police Authorities’ be produced on how public order policing should be monitored

(ii) That whilst this guidance was awaited Mrs Joy Whinney, Lead Member for Public Order, should continue with the briefings and meetings planned with the Force

(f) BUSINESS CONTINUITY (BC) PLAN

Noted: That the BC project was due to be presented to Gold Group at the end of the month and that the first units to be subject to the planning would be the Civil Contingencies and Resilience Unit. BC had been added to the Force Risk Register.

(g) CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY POST OPERATION ‘NEW MEXICO’

Noted: That as a follow up to the report provided to Members in November 2009, Members were advised of the increase in public confidence in the Western area and that this was in part attributed to the involvement of neighbourhood


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policing teams in community engagement work throughout the period of the operation.

(h) NEW VETTING / CRB CHECKS

Noted:That final guidance from the Ministry of Justice in relation to the requirement to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) was still being developed, and that whilst Police Officers and staff had been exempted this had not, as yet, been extended to Members of Police Authorities or Independent Custody Visitors.

(i) FORENSIC CONSORTIUM EXTENSION

Noted:That the two year extension had been agreed in principle, but that the Chief Executive and Group Chair would be invited to a meeting of the Joint Forensic Consortium meeting which would be before the end of March 2010.

PART TWO

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.

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

The confidential report of the Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services was received.

(a) MAJOR CRIME

Noted: (i) That ACC Lewis updated Members on current murder and other

serious investigations (ii) That the final IPCC report arising from the JM case would be referred

to the Quality of Service Group when it was received(iii) That Members queried in relation to Operation Synergy whether the

presence of ANPR would have been beneficial.

(b) CRITICAL INCIDENTS

Noted: That Members were updated on a number of critical incidents as follows:


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(i) That in relation to the Father B incident, the Health Inspectorate of Wales had produced a report which contained some potential issues around the use of firearms and the police response, and that the Chair of Cwm Taf Health Board had written to the Chief Constable on the issue of risk

(ii) That the Police response to the recent adverse weather ‘Operation SNOW DROP’ had been largely very successful and Police officers and staff had been thanked for their good attendance at work in sometimes difficult circumstances

(iii) That in relation to the University Hospital Wales mortuary closure and the draft adverse inspection report, it had been agreed (since the report was drafted) that there would be no criminal prosecution. However, this still left the Force with a number of queries in respect of action to be taken to prevent the Force being left without a forensic pathology service in the future and in relation to how the Human Tissues Authority makes referrals to the Police.

(iv) That in relation to the Kenfig Air Crash families had been contacted by DCC Paul as the anniversary of the incident approached (11/2/09) and that a watching brief was being kept.

(v) That in relation to Operation CASCADE the Force was confident that it and its partners had the right structures in place to deal with any issues across boundaries. WECTU was providing the lead in this area.

(vi) That good joint work had taken place between NECTU (North East Counter Terrorism Unit) and WECTU in relation to Operation OYSTERCATCHER.

Resolved:That the Lead Member for Critical Incidents liaise with the Chief Executive to flag up any issues which might need to be referred to another Group from Protective Services Group, as per the example of the IPCC report to be referred to Quality of Service Group.

(c) HMIC CT INSPECTION UPDATE

Noted:(i) That whilst this inspection was national in perspective based on the

‘hot debrief’ at the end of the inspection, the overall assessment of WECTU was positive, recognising that the service had professional and committed staff and a clear vision. The final report, which will be national, is not expected until after the General Election.

(ii) That Cllr Bob Lloyd and Robert Derricot (Gwent) had been interviewed for PAW as part of this inspection in relation to funding and other governance issues

(d) CRITICAL NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE (CNI) - HMIC THEMATIC INSPECTION

Noted: That Members were updated on the findings of the CNI inspection and the

actions required following this report. Actions will be taken up at All Wales and South Wales level as appropriate.


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(e) SECTION 44 TERRORISM ACT

Noted:(i) That following the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights in

January this year regarding S44 stop and search, and the subsequent Government appeal, S44 could still be used where authorised pending the outcome of the appeal.

(ii) S44 had not been used in South Wales since Autumn 2009. Members would be kept informed of developments in this area.

10. RISKS IDENTIFIED AT THE MEETING

Noted:There were no new risks identified from the meeting.

CHAIR

The meeting ended at 12:30hrs.

Protective Services Group Meeting Tuesday 4 May 2010

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At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on Tuesday 4 May 2010 at 09:30hrs.

Members Present: Councillors T Davies, G Kemp, R Lloyd Mr A Ali, Mr J Littlechild JP, Mrs J Whinney

Officers Present: Mr C Thomas - Deputy Chief Executive Mrs S Burke - T/ACC Specialist Crime T/ACC R Lewis - T/ACC Specialist Operations Mr G Madge - Director of Legal Services Mr N Kinrade - Chief Superintendent Mr P Burke - Detective Superintendent Mr S Powell - Detective Chief Inspector - WECTU Mr R Dodd - Head of Strategic Development


1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

An apology for her inability to attend had been received from Councillor S Waller Thomas.



3. PART ONE REPORTS OF THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE (SPECIALIST CRIME)

(a) PRESENTATION OF THE ALL WALES APPROACH AND PROGRESS ON THE PREVENT AGENDA.

Noted: (i) that the Group was provided with an update on the current issues relating to Protective Services by Chief Superintendent

N Kinrade and Detective Chief Inspector S Powell.

(b) ACTION POINTS ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF THE PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP ON THE 8 FEBRUARY 2010.

Noted: (i) that Members were provided with details in relation to Air Support tasking to the Swansea area when comparing the old aircraft base at Cardiff with a new aircraft base at MOD St Athans. The report included the figures for Cardiff as a comparator and in doing so it was emphasised that direct comparisons were unwise given the differences in size between the two cities.


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(b) ACTION POINTS ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF THE PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP ON THE 8 FEBRUARY 2010 – Continued../

It was concluded that in proportion of time allocated by the aircraft to numbers of requests made the Air Support Unit had

spent proportionately more of its annual allocation in the Swansea area as opposed to Cardiff. Service to the west of the force area had been improved by use of a reciprocal arrangement with the Dyfed Powys Helicopter Support Unit.The South Wales Air Support Unit had also recently secured a financial arrangement with Swansea Airport which enabled it to use the airport at any time of the year for any number of landings. There were however restrictions in using this facility as the hydroscopic content of the AV gas needed to be tested before it could be purchased and as such that limited the potential usage of the facility.

(ii) that a confidential report had been prepared on the new Traffic Service on the M4 and the impact on speeding. The report

would be considered in PART 2 of the meeting.

(iii) that Members were provided with a breakdown of missing persons together with details of the circumstances of them

going missing and the resolutions. Notably during 2009 6,456 missing persons reports were received. 73% of those were

under the age of 18. Over 80% were found either by the police or returned of their own accord within 6 hours. There were no noticeable seasonal trends of note in relation to missing persons. A report produced by the Public Protection Department in May 2008 identified that basic missing persons investigations (excluding major crime/criminal investigations) involved over £4m of police resources per annum. A dip sampling of missing person reports during March 2010 identified that of the 490 persons reported missing, 374 (76.3%) were under 18. 23.5% (88) of those under 18 were missing from Care Homes. Given that children in foster care families were not included in that data it was likely that the proportion of missing persons from all care facilities was far higher.

(iv) that the Group was provided with a breakdown of stranger rape/rapes and domestic/partner rapes. A dip sample of the 25 recorded rapes in March 2010 identified that nearly half were committed within a domestic type relationship.

(v) that the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) had established a working group to consider the development of Local

Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCB’s) across Wales. Dyfed Powys Police represented the service for Wales at the Group and were finalising a cross force consultation which drew together all the issues of concern to the police. A final paper would be presented to ACC Farrar (Gwent) who was the all Wales lead for Public Protection.


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(vi) that since July 2000 the Major Crime Review Unit had conducted a research on review process relating to historical cases of undetected rape and serious sexual assaults. The process endeavoured to identify cases that provided investigative, and in particular forensic opportunities. In total 615 cases were analysed spanning the period 1980-2003. The process resulted in the identification of offenders and successful prosecutions. As a result of a structured and robust media strategy the now well documented results had significantly increased public reassurance by transferring the fear of crime from the victim to the offender and had demonstrated the commitment of South Wales to track down offenders.

(vii) that the Force Action Plan for the management of rape and serious sexual offences had been reviewed and also included the recommendations from the ACPO Review and Stern Review. The recommendations from ACPO/CPS had also been included in the Action Plan and would provide the basis for the work of the Joint Sexual Offences Working Group. The variation in case progression across the area had been recognised and work was ongoing with both the CPS and the Criminal Justice Partners to develop the merit based approach currently working in Cardiff across the South Wales area.

(viii) that Members were provided with an update on the requirements of Section 32(2) of the Children’s Act 2004 and the Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (Wales) Regulations 2005. As it applied to the requirement for the Local Safeguarding Children Board for the area to conduct a serious case review (SCR). The purpose of the review was to identify staff that might be taken to prevent a death or harm occurring to a child in the future. 16 SCR’s were at various stages of completion and were being managed in the South Wales area. It was usually higher however 10 reports had been published in recent months reducing the numbers from 26. The issue of SCR Management had been recognised in Wales and a review had been carried out in November 2009 the findings of which had concluded:

A risk averse culture. A lack of training and professionals with appropriate skills. A lack of confidence in deciding whether a case does or

does not reach the SCR threshold. A lack of forecast on setting the terms of reference and

review period. A lack of investment and training.


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A number of initiatives were being developed in an effort to rationalise the situation and included:

The establishment of the Welsh Assembly Working Group to act on the findings of the CISSW report.

The introduction of a police hot review process when potential SCR cases were identified.

Dialogue with BCU Commanders to reinvigorate the previous agreement that Divisional DCI’s had responsibility for managing police engagements with the SCR Panels.

Development of a buddy arrangement between divisions to ensure that the DCI’s had a level of independence when managing the SCR process.

A training package for DCI’s to approve knowledge.

(viii) that information was provided on the National Fraud Authority (NFA) as the Government’s strategic lead on counter fraud activity. The Authority worked with the police and a range of stakeholders across the private / public and third sector organisations to fight fraud and initiate co-ordinate and communicate counter fraud activity.

(ix) that summary of the requirements of the Airport Security Planning process as introduced by the Department of Transport in order to standardise the process for policing at airports and the recovery of costs thereafter was outlined. The framework for airport security planning was set out in the Aviation Security Act 1982 (as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2009). The framework came into force in January 2010. The process required a Risk Advisory Group (RAG) and a Security Executive Group (SEG) to be established. Representatives on the SEG Group should include the Airport Operators, Chief Police Officers, Police Authority and the Airlines. It was confirmed that a RAG had been formed in relation to Cardiff Airport and had met on four occasions. The membership of the SEG had been decided and the airport operators were hopeful that there would be an initial meeting early May 2010.

(x) that an updated lead members matrix had been included within the report.


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PART TWO

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.

4. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS OF THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE, PROTECTIVE SERVICES.

The confidential reports of the Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Protective Services were received.

(a) MAJOR CRIME

Noted: that Members were provided with an update on current murder and other serious investigations.

(b) CRITICAL INCIDENTS

Noted: (i) that Members were updated on the Force and Community response to the tragic murder of Aamir Siddiqi which occurred

on Sunday 11 April 2010.

(ii) that the Group were highly impressed by the Force response to the incident and were moved by the response and dignity of the victim’s family following their tragic loss.

(c) ASSET RECOVERY

Noted: (i) that it had been a particularly successful year in respect of the seizure of criminal assets within South Wales. Figures showed that during the period of April 2009 to March 2010 the total figure of assets seized including secure orders from the Regional Asset Recovery Team (RART) was in excess of £3m. That far exceeded the target of £2.4m and placed the South Wales Police amongst the highest achievers in England and Wales.

(ii) that the funds received from the Home Office as a result of asset recovery would be effectively utilised to reduce and detect crime, invest in community projects to enhance community engagement and build trust and confidence within South Wales.


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(c) ASSET RECOVERY – CONT’D …. /

(iii) that Members were provided with a detailed breakdown of performance relating to the number of confiscation orders obtained, the total value of those orders and the number and value of forfeiture orders.

(iv) that the financial targets for the 2010/11 fiscal year had been increased to a total of £2.8m.

(v) that in order to achieve the necessary improvement a plan had been prepared highlighting the following key areas of activity that would lead to improved performance: -

Identify further POCA opportunities. A proposal to appoint a minimum of four financial

investigators who would be embedded on each BCU. To further address cash seizure issues at BCU level which

would ultimately result in increased performance and targeting of cash or organised crime gangs.

To increase the number of referrals to RART.

(vi) that the South Wales Police Economic Crime Unit (ECU) undertook an investigation into the criminal use of multi identity fraud. The fraud involved the identities of deceased children who were used by the subjects to collect provisional driving licences which in turn would allow them to obtain other proofs of identity ultimately leading to bank accounts. Those accounts were then used to fraudulently obtain funds.

(vii) that members of the investigation team had travelled throughout the UK in order to personally visit all of the parents concerned and following a successful prosecution BBC X-Ray Programme broadcasted a thirty minute documentary focussing on this investigation.

(d) SPECIALIST CRIME AND SPECIALIST OPERATIONS ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REPORT

Noted: (i) that Members were provided with a report which outlined the annual performance of the Specialist Crime and Specialist Operations Unit.

(e) SPEED RATE FOR THE M4

Noted: (i) that arising out of a recommendation from the previous meeting of the Protective Services Group held on the 8 February 2010 Members were provided with a report which outlined the speeds recorded on the M4 within South Wales Police area for the periods 2008 and 2009.

(ii) that the key findings of the report were highlighted for Members attention.


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(e) SPEED RATE FOR THE M4 – Continued../

(iii) that the report acknowledged that further detailed data was needed in relation to speeds on the M4 in order to establish a more accurate picture and whether there had been a change since South Wales Police had stopped routinely patrolling the M4 as part of their normal patrol strategy.

(iv) additional data was also required for those junctions which had not been included in the analysis. Further information was also needed in respect of:

Patterns of speed on the M4 by month for 2006, 2007 and 2008.

A breakdown of the speed rate per month. Collaboration with other road traffic data services in order to

set up a more accurate recording of speed.

CHAIR

The meeting ended at 11:40am

Protective Services Group Minutes 19 July 2010

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At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on Monday, 19 July 2010 at 10.00am.

Members Present: Councillors T Davies, R Lloyd, J Woodman. Mr J Littlechild JP, Mrs J Whinney.

Officers Present: Mr A Fry - Chief Executive Mr C Thomas - Deputy Chief Executive Ms S Burke - Chief Superintendent, Head of Specialist Crime Mr P Burke - D/Superintendent Major Crime (Holmes Admin) Mr S Parfitt - Chief Inspector Firearms & Specialist Ops Mr R Dodd - Head of Strategic Development


1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

An apology for his inability to attend had been received from Councillor G Kemp.


There were no advance declarations of interest received.

3. REPORTS OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE (SPECIALIST CRIME)

Noted: that the Group received the reports of the Assistant Chief Constable (Specialist Crime) in relation to:

(a) Police Authority monitoring and Scrutiny of Public Order Policing

(b) Regional Protective Services update (c) Protective Services current issues update

3(a) Police Authority Monitoring and Scrutiny of Public Order Policing

Noted: (i) that the report provided details of an interim monitoring and scrutiny process of public order policing whilst awaiting national guidance.

(ii) that the November 2009 “Adapting to Protest – Nurturing the British Model of Policing – HMIC Report” concluded that nationally there was a level of uncertainty for Police Authorities in relation to the monitoring of public order policing for fear of intrusion on Chief Officers operational independence. It was acknowledged that there needed to be a strengthening of local accountability structure if Police Authorities were to fulfil their key statutory responsibilities at pre-planning, during and post event stages.


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3(a) Police Authority Monitoring of Scrutiny of Public Order Policing – cont’d

(iii) that the Association of Police Authorities (APA) is currently awaiting national guidance on the issue and the report provided an interim way forward for South Wales Police Authority to effectively undertake the role.

(iv) that Councillor R Lloyd was the Police Authority’s Lead Protective Services Member supported by Ms J Whinney as the Human Rights compliance lead for 3 of the 10 protective services themes i.e: Critical incidents, Civil contingencies and Public Order. Ms Whinney had met with Chief Superintendent S Hayes, Territorial Policing and Mrs L Emmitt of the Legal Services Department to draft a series of proposals.

Recommended:

(i) An annual report to be received by the Police Authority’s Protective Services Group from the Critical Incident Review Board – chaired by ACC – Territorial Policing. The report will give a synopsis of all large scale public order policing operations in the Force area.

(ii) All pre-planned major public order events are subject of an intensive planning phase. Ms Whinney will be forwarded copies of the relevant Gold strategies and where she requests it she will be personally briefed by the Gold and Silver Commander on issues of cost and priorities so as to be satisfied in general terms that the police response appears appropriate.

(iii) Ms Whinney will also be invited to all major public order command team debriefs and will receive copies of the formal debrief notes. This will allow the opportunity to question the command team regarding:

(1) The nature of the operation. (2) Review aspects of police performance. (3) Review aspects of tactics used. (4) Explore any concerns raised by the community, protestors of police officers regarding the operation.

(iv) Ms Whinney will be invited to undertake real time observations of Gold/Silver commanders operating on police premises during policing operations to gain an understanding of their operational pressures and constraints.

(v) Ch. Superintendent Hayes will assist in devising a training programme over the next twelve months to compliment Ms Whinney’s responsibilities.

3(b) Regional Protective Services

Noted: (i) that the report provided an overview of regional protective services.

(ii) that previously Members had asked for an update regarding the future of the region and the impact on protective services


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3(b) Regional Protective Services – Cont’d../

as a result of potential funding reductions. Reports were therefore considered in conjunction with the report shown at Minute No: 5 which provides a financial update on budget issues and financial administration of PAW.

(iii) that the current Deputy Chief Constable (Regional Protective Services) Andy Edwards had signalled his intention to retire in September 2010. PAW had agreed an interim arrangement whereby DCC Carmel Napier of Gwent Police would undertake the role for a period of 6 months whilst future governance issues were considered.

(iv) that on the 23 July 2010 an All Wales visioning day was to be held at the SWALEC Stadium and would be attended by Chief Officers, Senior Managers and Police Authority Members from the Welsh Forces. Discussion and debate would take place regarding the existing regional structure, collaboration and also future collaboration with the intention of developing a vision for the future.

(v) that Project Reform within South Wales was due to report imminently. The outcome of that initial phase of work was critical to future arrangements.

(vi) that within the Home Secretary’s speech to the APA/ACPO Conference were strong indications regarding the future collaboration in a number of areas to improve efficiency namely:

Call Handling Criminal Justice Training Terrorism Organised Crime

(vii) that the coalition Government’s intentions may well impact upon what the future should be for regional collaboration as will the outcome of the planned spending review due to be reported in the Autumn 2010.

(viii) that it was difficult to consider the precise form and function of collaboration against the current backdrop of change. It was too early to fully assess the impact until more certainty was gained about the extent of the reductions.

Recommended: that the report on regional protective services be noted.


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4. REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE – SPECIALIST CRIME ON ISSUES RELATING TO PROTECTIVE SERVICES

The report provided Members with an update on the following:

4.1 Asset Recovery

Noted: (i) The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 affords Law Enforcement agencies the power to seize assets obtained as a result of criminality.

(ii) that the Home Office retained 50% of the monies recovered from Confiscation Orders with the remaining amount divided between the police CPS and HMCS out of which the police received 18%.

(iii) that the total amount of Confiscation Orders granted in favour of South Wales Police between April 2009 – March 2010 was £843,014. The return to South Wales Police amounted to £151,742 providing all orders were satisfied.

(iv) that in addition to confiscation proceedings money could also be seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) if an amount exceeding £1,000 was recovered and was suspected as having resulted or intended for use in any criminal conduct. There was no CPS or HMCS involvement in those proceedings and once a forfeiture order had been made the money was divided 50/50 between the Home Office and Police Service. The total amount of forfeiture orders granted in favour of South Wales Police between April 2009 – March 2010 was £307,731. The returns to South Wales Police would be £153,865.

4.2 Detection Rates for Stranger Rapes

Noted: (i) that the report provided a breakdown of rapes recorded between the 1 April 2008 – 29 June 2010 that had either stranger as a relationship type or stranger/unknown person.

(ii) that those had been broken down into outcomes when known. There were 8 live stranger rapes within the list (still under investigation). There were 26.7% currently detected from the total of 58.

SWP Outcome Frequency Class changed to common assault 1 Detected 16 IP W/D complaint 1 Live 8 NFA 6 NFA – CPS 9 NFA – Defendant deceased 1


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4.2 Detection Rates for Stranger Rapes – Cont’d../

No crimed 10 No further lines of enquiry 3 Released NFA 3 Grand Total 58

4.3 Forensic Analytical Services Contract Update

Noted: (i) the report provided Members with an update on the consortium’s decision to extend the present Forensic Analytical Services Contract by 2 years.

(ii) that the collaborative contracts for forensic services covered a consortium consisting of 14 authorities in the South West, Wales and North West Regions. The contract commenced on 1 April 2008 with an initial contract period for 3 years.

(iii) the consortium’s contract management team had completed its negotiations with suppliers to extend the contract for a further 2 years until 31 March 2013. The negotiations ensured that there were no increases in the cost to the service and only minor changes to some of the times that suppliers had to complete their analysis.

(iv) that all 14 Forces in the consortium had confirmed in writing their support to the extension of the contract and it was the intention of the Contracts Management Team to seek the formal agreement to extend the contract at the next Forensic Collaboration Joint Committee meeting.

(v) that South Wales Police continued to receive an excellent service under the contract and it was recommended that the contract be extended.

4.4 Operation Capella (National Armed Forces Day)

Noted: (i) the second UK Armed Forces Day was successfully bid for by the Welsh Assembly and Cardiff City Council and allocated the 26 June 2010 as a day of celebration and recognition of the contribution of the armed forces and their families had made to conflicts.

(ii) that the event planning ensured that it was a resounding success. Feedback had been received from the Chief of Defence, the Defence Secretary and senior military command who stated that it “was the best organised event they had ever attended and hoped to return as soon as possible.”


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4.4 Operation Capella (National Armed Forces Day) – Cont’d../

(iii) that the public attendance had been estimated at 50,000 some of whom had commented by email, letter and telephone to say that the professionalism and expertise of all involved was impressive and they were generally proud to be part of the day.

(iv) that the event attracted significant media coverage from the BBC, Sky News and other international media.

Recommended: that the Force be commended for the way the National Armed Forces Day had been policed.

4.5 Operation Texas

Noted: (i) Operation Texas was a main Regional Task Force investigation which culminated in the arrest of the key players with the effect of dismantling a well organised and established national crime group.

(ii) that the Operation targeted an organised crime group responsible for the supply and delivery of substantial amounts of Class A drugs throughout Wales. As a result there had been 15 arrests to date throughout the UK, 10 of whom had been charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and were remanded in custody. 5 had been bailed pending further enquiries. Further arrests were planned.

(iii) that during the course of the Operation over 17 kilos of heroin had been seized, 1 kilo of amphetamine, 300 kilos of cutting agents (paracetamol), 5 firearms including a Section 1 handgun and a stun gun adapted to look like a mobile phone together with a 10 ton press and an excess of £20,000 in cash. Over 1,000 exhibits had been recovered.

(iv) that estimates indicated a potential street value of approximately £6m given that the drugs were direct from source.

(v) that the Operation represented the most significant operation that the Wales Region had undertaken in relation to problematic Class A drug trafficking and endorsed the substantial investment from forces, PAW and WAG, in providing assets with the skills and expertise to investigate serious and organised crime groups.


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5. REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE ON THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS – BUDGET CUTS

5.1 Reduction in Police Funding

Noted: (i) that the report provided Members with an update on the latest national and regional budget positions following the Home Office announcements (27 May) ACPO TAM announcements (11 June) and other information.

(ii) that the report also provided an update on the transfer of financial administration from Dyfed Powys to South Wales and some emerging issues relating to the statutory accounting and financial reporting requirements for PAW.

(iii) that the Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice confirmed on the 27 May 2010 proposals for revised funding allocations for police authorities in England and Wales for 2010/11. The police share of that reduction amounted to £125m.

(iv) the reduction would be implemented by reducing the Home Office core police settlement and the capital grant. The impact on South Wales Police would be a reduction of £2.8m.

5.2 WECTU

(v) that in addition to the reduction in core Government funding there were further plans to reduce police source funding on a national basis for counter terrorism policing by £10m in 2010/11 of which £5m would be borne by the Metropolitan Police. The impact on South Wales Police would be a revised allocation of -£62,000.

(vi) that authorities had also received formal notification of revised grant allocations in relation to their dedicated security posts as follows:

South Wales 1,639 1,604 35 Dyfed Powys 2,765 2,437 328 North Wales 2,934 See below See below Gwent 284 See below See below

(vii) that ACPO TAM had confirmed that the reductions equated to four twelfths of the additional funding allocated for the 19 critical national infrastructure officers within Dyfed Powys and 2 additional posts within South Wales on the assumption that they would not be recruited until at least the 1 August 2010. The Forces


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5.2 WECTU – Cont’d../ were seeking to obtain confirmation of the funding position for 2011/12 and beyond to meet the full annual recurring salary costs of the additional officers.

(viii) that police authorities were currently awaiting the revised terms and conditions in relation to the grant which were expected to include additional flexibilities in relation to non-pay expenditure.

(ix) that neither North Wales nor Gwent had received notification of any cuts as both their original allocations had already been reduced.

5.3 Regional Asset Recovery Teams (RART)

Noted: that a further area of grant reduction would affect RART. It had been announced that the national in year savings of £900,000 must be achieved during 2010/11. The local impact on the reduction had to be formally communicated although the ACPO National Co- ordination Team had indicated that the cuts equate to £160,000 per region.

5.4 Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU)

Noted: (i) that external grant funding had been reduced in recent years and the consequent shortfall had been met from contributions made from the Wales Central Team. The initial 2010/11 budget requirement for the RIU was £762,000. To achieve a balanced all Wales collaboration budget reduction of £185,000 would need to be applied to the RIU, thereby leaving a revised budget of £577,000.

(ii) that external funding had yet to be confirmed but was expected to be £411,000. The balance of the £166,000 was being met from additional force contributions of which £94,000 related to South Wales.

(iii) that the budget for 2010/11 was uplifted by 2.5%, however the availability of grant funding had only been confirmed until 2011. The grant remained cash limited by WAG at £642,000 and the shortfall had been met by the constituent forces equating to £78,000.

5.5 Financial Management Arrangements for 2010/11 and Beyond

Noted: (i) that in January 2010 PAW approved the transfer of financial management responsibilities for its activities to South Wales Police to take effect from 1 April 2010. Dyfed Powys Police would finalise the statutory accounts process for 2009/10.


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5.5 Financial Management Arrangements for 2010/11 and Beyond – Cont’d../

(ii) that apart from a few minor transitional issues, processes were in place to allow for effective financial and administrative arrangements.

(iii) that the Financial Advisor of PAW and Director of Finance, South Wales Police, were actively seeking agreement to maximise the grants allocated for greater flexibility in the use of external grant funding.

5.6 Statutory Accounting and Financial Reporting Requirements

Noted: (i) that PAW, as a Joint Committee, constituted by the police authorities under the Local Government Act 1972, had specific statutory accounting requirements under FRS9. The requirements related to both statutory reporting of PAW and each constituent authority.

(ii) that the financial year 2008/09 saw the inclusion of the Counter Terrorist Intelligence Unit, Regional Asset Recovery Team, Regional Task Force, Regional Intelligence Unit as well as the Wales Central Team and PAW itself. That brought with it an increased scope for External Audit Inspection at a cost of £20,000.

(iii) that as a result of a meeting of senior finance staff from all forces with the Wales Audit Office a number of areas requiring further clarification were raised. They related to inconsistencies with the scope, purpose and responsibilities of the PAW constitution, the Section 23 Agreement for WECTU and the Annual Policing Plan for Wales.

(iii) that there was also a fundamental element of the inconsistencies that related to the financial management and reporting of DSP and Special Branch that were currently excluded from the PAW accounts even though operational control rested with the All Wales DCC.

(iv) that the All Wales Deputy Chief Constable and individual forces were assessing the impact of the funding cuts and a full impact assessment would be reported to PAW in due course as further funding changes were announced.

(v) that discussions were ongoing to better reflect the accounting and governance arrangements to ensure consistency and appropriate compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements.

Recommended: that the report of the Director of Finance be noted.


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PART 2 EXEMPT INFORMATION

Resolved: that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 that the public be excluded from the meeting for the following business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 12, 13, 14 16, 17 & 18 of Part 4 of Schedule 12a of the Act and the public interest not to disclose the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

6. THE CONFIDENTIAL UPDATE REPORTS OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE (PROTECTIVE SERVICES)

Noted: (i) the confidential reports of the Temporary Assistant Chief Constable (Protective Services) were received.

(ii) that Members were provided with an update on current murder and other serious investigations.

(iii) that as part of the report Members received a detailed presentation on the ongoing work of the South Wales Police in conducting legacy enquires.

Recommended: that the report of the Temporary Assistant Chief Constable (Protective Services) be noted.

7. PRESENTATION ON OPERATIONAL RESPONSE TO FIREARMS INCIDENTS

Noted: that Members received a highly informative and detailed presentation on the operational response of the Force to serious incidents involving firearms.

CHAIR

The meeting ended at 12.15pm.

Protective Services Group Meeting 1 November 2010

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At a meeting of the PROTECTIVE SERVICES GROUP held at Police Headquarters, Bridgend, on 1 November 2010 at 10:00am.

Members Present: Councillors T Davies, G Kemp, R Lloyd and J Woodman Mr M Bin-Sufyan, Mr J Littlechild JP, Mrs J Whinney

Officers Present: Mr A Fry - Chief Executive Mr C Thomas - Deputy Chief Executive Mr M Jukes - Assistant Chief Constable Specialist Crime Mr R Lewis - T/ACC Specialist Operations Mr G Madge - Director of Legal Services Ch. Supt. S Burke - Head of Specialist Crime




2. PRESENTATION ON E-CRIME

Noted: (i) the Group received a presentation on E- Crime from Mr Peter Williams, Development Manager, Welsh Assembly Government and Detective Constable John Cherry, Regional Business

E-Crime Liaison Officer seconded to the Welsh Assembly Government from South Wales Police.

(ii) that the presentation explained the threats posed to organisations, businesses and individuals as a result of E- Crime.

(iii) that the scale of the problem was highly significant and the presentation set out the measures put in place by the Welsh Assembly Government initiative to combat the problem in Wales.

(iv) that of particular relevance to the police was often E-Crime went unreported due to reluctance of the victims to acknowledge that their system had been compromised which could cause them commercial and reputational harm.

(v) that E-Crime Wales was a partnership of organisations and agencies tackling the threat of E-Crime to the Welsh economy, a threat that currently cost Wales £160m per year. It brought together the four Welsh Police Forces, the public and private sectors.

(vi) that E-Crime Wales shared intelligence and increased knowledge of risk and prevention amongst Welsh businesses.


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3. REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE SPECIALIST CRIME

Noted: (i) that the report contained an update on the following specialist crime areas:

(a) Call and Incident Management Unit which confirmed that the transfer of Council employed 101 staff was about to be finalised whereby they became employees of South Wales Police under TUPE legislation. The staff would perform a similar role in SWP Management Centres but would focus less on partnership matters such as litter, noise, nuisance and environmental issues for local authorities. It was confirmed that the Project Reform Team were progressing well with the analysis of the suitability of the Single Public Service Centre. (b) Operational Support Division – with regards to firearms at Airports a negotiation was progressing to a national level and the Chair, Councillor R Lloyd, with Chief Superintendent A Thomas from South Wales Police, met with all forces and airport operators involved in the strategic negotiations.

(c) The ANPR Project for Static Cameras was progressing and the contract was about to be awarded in preparation for roll out by April 2011. Static ANPR at Cardiff Wales Airport was moving quicker and there was a desire for a static site camera to be fitted by 31 January 2011.

(iii) that the Group received updates on territorial policing as follows:

(a) Operations – there had been 1 force critical incident during the reporting period. Operation Gallant 2 ran from the 13th to 16th August 2010 when Climate Camp Cymru set up an environmental protest, involving 30 attendees on the site of a Roman Fort in the Glynneath Valley. Organisers went to press stating intent to involve themselves causing direct action. CADW requested their removal from the site on Saturday 14 August which was facilitated by the police. The protestors left the site peacefully and significantly failed to regroup. No arrests were made.

(b) Strategy and Policy – South Wales Police Critical Incident Policy was signed off by ACC Kirby in August.

(c) Provenance and Accountability

The HMIC service standards for each of the three areas had been reviewed and updated. Over 95% of the 315 total subsections had been completed. The newly implemented Critical Incident Board ensured that learning/good practice from any force critical debrief was


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3. REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE SPECIALIST CRIME – Continued…/

formally fed back into the organisation’s policies and procedures.

(iii) that the Group received the following updates on Project Reform:

(a) that ACC Jukes was the Silver Lead for the Analyst Work stream under Project Reform supported by Detective Chief Superintendent Sally Burke as the Bronze Lead.

(b) that the scope would include all analysis functions across the force.

(c) that key findings to date were recorded on the 3 September 2010 to the Quality Assurance Panel on which the Authority was represented by Mr G Bingham and Mr M Lewis. The findings found that –

Lack of communication to perform an intelligence analysis.

Customer requirements both lack of understanding and challenge to existing and accepted practices/requirements.

High levels of activity driven by excessive performance management.

Lack of consistency across the force. Duplication of activities identified including a lack of

clarity of ownership. Analyst not proactively driving the business and

operational activity.

(d) that the Project had yet to identify some unknowns and included IR3 and a Police National Database (PND). It was yet to be understood what degree of analysis would be required to support those or what opportunities they offered.

Recommended: that the report of the Assistant Chief Constable Specialist Crime be noted.


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PART TWO

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.

4. CONFIDENTIAL VERBAL BRIEFING FROM TEMPORARY ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE SPECIALIST OPERATIONS MR R LEWIS ON A NATIONAL AIR SERVICE.

Noted: (i) T/ACC Lewis provided Members with a confidential briefing on the review of a strategy for a National Air Service for the Police Service.

(ii) if created the National Air Service would realise efficiency savings of 20% although there would be a reduction in the number of bases.

(iii) that the principle of creating a National Air Service was accepted however tactically negotiations were still ongoing as to the best options for the future of the service.

(iv) that it was confirmed that the contractual obligations with the existing service providers would continue to be met and would be novated to the National Air Service. If introduced it was anticipated that the savings to South Wales Police would be in the region of £200,000.

Recommended: that the confidential report of Temporary Assistant Chief Constable R Lewis be noted and that Members be provided with further reports at key stages of the establishment of a National Air Service for the Police Service.

5. PRESENTATION FROM DETECTIVE CHIEF INSPECTOR JANE BANHAM ON SCHEDULE 7 OF THE TERRORISM ACT 2000

Noted: (i) that the Group received a confidential presentation on the powers available to the police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to examine people who travel through ports, airports and international railway stations.

(ii) that the presentation provided statistical details of the number of people stopped across Wales and within South Wales.


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5. PRESENTATION FROM DETECTIVE CHIEF INSPECTOR JANE BANHAM ON SCHEDULE 7 OF THE TERRORISM ACT 2000 – Continued../

(iii) that of particular note was the fact that, contrary to speculation, no individuals were stopped under this power because of their race. People were however stopped due to intelligence or because of the country they were travelling to or from.

Recommended: that the Group should receive a statistical breakdown of individuals stopped under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 in accordance with their ethnicity.

6. CONFIDENTIAL REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE SPECIALIST CRIME

Noted: (i) that the confidential report of the Assistant Chief Constable Specialist Crime was received.

(ii) that Members were provided with an update on current issues affecting Protective Services as they applied to:

Protecting vulnerable people. Serious Case Review – Children E Major Crime Investigation Team Intelligence Directorate Scientific Support Unit Serious and Organised Crime

(iii) that Members were appreciative of the full update provided by ACC Jukes on the issues arising from the Serious Case Review – Children E. The circumstances arising out of that case were clearly regrettable and the Members were assured that the force accepted the recommendations arising out of the Serious Case Review Report and would implement them in order to ensure that its own arrangements for responding to such matters in the future were robust.

(iv) That a Task and Finish Group was to be established to ensure that work was completed and under the leadership of a Detective Superintendent would report to the Serious Case Review Board.

(v) that Members received details of overall reporting for reporting Domestic abuse related incidents over the previous 12 months

which had remained consistent with previous reporting trends.

(vi) that the detection rates for domestic violence rates had risen in September as follows:

More serious against the violent person – 95.2% Assault with less serious injury – 64.9%


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6. CONFIDENTIAL REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE SPECIALIST CRIME – Continued../

(vii) that Members were informed that the management of domestic abuse in South Wales continued to move forward and further areas would be progressed within the coming months.

(viii) that the report provided details of the background to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme which had been rolled out by Government during 2009/10. The final phase of the national implementation would go live in April 2011 and all four Welsh Forces would be included in the final implementation stage.

(ix) that the principle aim of the Scheme was to provide parents, guardians and carers with information that would enable them to better ensure the children’s safety and welfare. Any relevant disclosure may not necessarily be made to the applicant but instead made to the most appropriate person able to safeguard the child.

(x) that Members were provided with tactical updates on the work undertaken by the Major Crime Investigation Teams.

(xi) that Members received an update on the Forensic Analytical Services Contract which confirmed that the current contract would be extended by two years thereby ensuring that South Wales Police would continue to receive the quality of service from their forensic supplier at a competitive cost.

(xii) that Members were provided with a tactical update on issues arising under serious and organised crime.

7. REPORT OF THE ASSISTANT CHIEF CONSTABLE SPECIALIST CRIME ON THE PROTECTIVE SERVICES CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT

Noted: that Members received a summary of the Force position with regards to the Protective Services Capability Assessment. Details were also provided about the All Wales Protective Services Strategic Assessment 2010.

CHAIR

The meeting ended at 12:25pm.

cadw de keeping south cymru’n ddiogel wales safe

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