Issue - meetings

The Committee received and noted the report of Superintendent Alison Heydari providing an update for 2018/19 on community safety in Southampton and the work of the Safety City Partnership. 

Superintendent Alison Heydari and Councillor Shields, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing were in attendance and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.

RESOLVED:

(i)  That the Southampton recorded crime figures from April 2018 to November 2018 were circulated to the Committee;

(ii)  That reflecting concerns about the responsiveness of the service, Hampshire Constabulary reviews the effectiveness of the 101 service;

(iii)  To increase confidence in and support for, the Police and other community safety agencies, it is recommended that the Safe City Partnership:

a)  Seek to increase the awareness and promotion of positive outcomes delivered by community safety partners across the city;

b)  Use partner agencies social media platforms to more effectively reassure the public about the activity and performance of the Police and partners;

c)  Publish on a regular basis crime figures if they project a positive story and can re-assure the public.

(iv)  Following the development of the new Southampton Safe City Strategy, the Safe City Partnership develop a funding bid to Government to help fund a programme of initiatives that can improve outcomes relating to criminal activity associated with public health issues and adverse childhood experiences.

(v)  That, to support the funding bid and to learn from good practice, the Safe City Partnership undertake analysis of cities that have delivered improved outcomes with regards to public health related crime and adverse childhood experiences.

(vi)  That the Cabinet Member and the Chair of the Committee outline the case to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Southampton and Portsmouth to receive a fair share of any additional Police resources, reflecting the levels of crime and need in these cities. 

(vii)  That whilst recognising the information provided through the National Crime Survey, consideration is given by the Safe City Partnership as to how the under reporting of crime in Southampton can be captured effectively.