Kent Police Authority

KENT POLICE AUTHORITY

MINUTES of the 14th meeting of the Kent Police Authority, held at Police Headquarters, Sutton Road, Maidstone on Thursday, 19 June 1997.

PRESENT:- Sir John Grugeon, DL (Chairman), Mrs P F Stubbs, JP (Vice-Chairman), Mr B W Bright, Mr G D Clarkson, CBE, QFSM, Mr D B Gibson, JP, Mr T C Glucklich, Lady Harrison, Mr W A Hayton, Mr M W E Jones, Mrs E H Lowe, Mr S macLachlan, MBE, Mr J Palmer, Mr D Pocknall, JP, Mr P Rollins, Mr K Sansum and Mr D A Sinclair.

OFFICERS:-The Chief Constable, Mr J D Phillips, QPM; the Clerk to the Authority, Mr M F Powis; and the Treasurer, Mr P A Martin.

ALSO PRESENT:-Chief Superintendent P Gammon, Vice-Chairman and Assistant Branch Secretary, Superintendents’ Association; PC P Harman, Secretary, Kent Branch, Police Federation; Mrs S Tapp and Mrs K Skinner, representing UNISON.

1.Membership

The Clerk reported the current membership of the Authority.

2.Election of Chairman

(1)Mr G D Clarkson, CBE, QFSM and Mr J Palmer nominated and seconded Sir John Grugeon, DL.

(2)RESOLVED unanimously that Sir John Grugeon, DL be elected Chairman.

3.New and Past Members

(1)The Chairman welcomed the three new County Council Members (Mr W A Hayton, Mr P Rollins and Mr K Sansum) and the new independent Member Mr T C Glucklich and expressed appreciation of the services of Mr D M Esterson, JP, who had resigned.

(2)The Chairman reported that during the previous week he had attended the funeral of Mr K E Horton, County Councillor and Rochester-upon-Medway City Councillor. Mr Horton had once served on the former Authority and chaired the Medway Police and Community Consultative Group.

(3)RESOLVED that

(a) the Authority’s thanks and best wishes be conveyed to Mr D M Esterson, JP; and

(b) Members note with sadness the death of Mr K E Horton, a former Member of the Authority.

4.Election of Vice-Chairman

(1)Mr D Pocknall, JP and Mr D B Gibson, JP nominated and seconded Mrs P F Stubbs, JP.

(2)RESOLVED unanimously that Mrs P F Stubbs, JP, be elected Vice-Chairman.

5.Minutes

(1)RESOLVED that, subject to the addition of the name of Mr D Pocknall, JP, to the list of those expressing apologies, the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 April 1997 are correctly recorded and that they be signed by the Chairman.

(2)The Chief Constable stated that he would report to the next meeting on discussions with the Health Authority on drugs clinics (Minute 12).

6.Changes Affecting Senior Officers

The Chief Constable submitted details of changes since the Authority’s last meeting, noting in particular that Assistant Chief Constable R Ayling (Personnel) had been designated under Section 12(4) of the Police Act 1996 and would be known as Deputy Chief Constable as from 2 June 1997 in succession to Mr D 0’Connor.

7.Senior Civilian Appointments

The Chief Constable reported that, with effect from 2 June 1997,

(a) Mr T Herbert, formerly of the staff of HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, had assumed the position of Director of Finance and Administration; and

(b) Mr E P J Harrison, the former holder of that post, had been appointed to the temporary position of Director of Human Resources pending the recruitment of an Assistant Chief Constable, with responsibility for police complaints matters resting for the time being with Mr R Ayling, Deputy Chief Constable.

8.Annual Report 1996-97

(1)The Chief Constable presented his Annual Report for 1996-97 and Members expressed their appreciation.

(2)RESOLVED that the report be received.

9.Demand Management Project Progress

The Chief Constable reported progress with the Demand Management Project and indicated that interest in the Kent initiative shown by other forces had resulted in a national workshop being arranged for July 1997 at the Police Staff College, Bramshill.

10.Special Constables: Policy

The Chief Constable reported progress towards the Force’s aim of increasing by 15 per cent the operational hours provided by the Special Constabulary between April 1996 and April 1997. He referred to measures designed to sustain that increase and outlined the circumstances in which two Kent officers - a special constable and a police constable - had won a regional bravery award. He would consider a suggestion of employers “sponsoring” special constables by granting them paid leave.

11.Closed Circuit Television and Railway Property

(1)The Chief Constable reported as to the commitment of Connex South Eastern to improve the security of its passengers, stations and car parks, including the installation of closed circuit television, in co-operation, where appropriate, with the Force.

(2)The Chairman reported that, following a discussion on train vandalism at a Thanet public meeting, he had written to the Chief Constable of the British Transport Police.

12.Model Parish Scheme: Rural Crime Update

(1)The Chief Constable reported as to the Model Parish Scheme which had been set up as a pilot in the Weald Area following the two seminars about rural crime staged early in 1996. He referred to action taken and proposed and his intention, subject to evaluation of the project, to extend its use throughout the County.

(2)Members agreed that repeat seminars, focused in the model schemes, be held in early 1998.

13.Maidstone Borough Council: Draft Borough Plan

The Chief Constable reported that there were two issues affecting the Force in connection with Maidstone Borough Council’s draft Borough Plan, currently on deposit. He proposed to seek deletion of the Green Corridor notation covering the playing fields at the Headquarters and Training sites, while noting that, in the case of the Transport Workshop site, past interest indicated that a developer might make representations.

14.Sponsorship

The Chief Constable reported details of sponsorship received by the Force during 1996-97, together with information about partnership funding.

15.Provisional Outturn 1996-97

(1)The Chief Constable and Treasurer reported the expected outturn for 1996-97, indicating an underspending of £5.98m, the main elements of which were explained.

(2)RESOLVED that:-

(a) the revenue and capital outturns be noted;

(b) the roll-forward of £2.407m to budget managers be approved;

(i) £3.715m to the pensions reserve and £0.100m to the Genesis

reserve from the revenue account;

(ii) £0.242m from the special operations reserve to revenue account;

(iii) £0.300m from the manpower reserve to the general reserve;

(d) the position regarding reserves be noted; and

(e) the Audit Committee be authorised to approve the final accounts, a copy to be sent to all Members of the Authority with an invitation to attend the meeting if they wish.

16.Policing Plan for Kent: Progress Report

(1)The Chief Constable reported the current performance of the Force against the national and local objectives and targets established in the Policing Plan for Kent 1997-98.

(2)Members requested a presentation before a future meeting on targeting crime scene locations.

(3)Members also requested for future reports a breakdown of police and civilian sickness figures and a separate analysis of domestic violence incidents.

(4)RESOLVED that the position be noted.

17.Health and Safety

(1)The Chief Constable reported on the Police (Health and Safety) Act 1997, which had a likely commencement date of 1 April 1998. It would give police officers similar protection to that enjoyed by civilian employees under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He outlined implementation plans for the Force.

(2)RESOLVED that the new Force Safety Policy Statement now submitted be approved and the implementation plans noted.

18.Occupational Health and Welfare Review

(1)The Chief Constable reported a Force review of the provision of health and welfare services for all police officers and civilian employees. The review had resulted in a programme of change that would provide an integrated and enhanced service at a slightly reduced cost.

(2)RESOLVED that the review findings and consequent changes in the provision of health and welfare services to the Force be noted.

19.Development of Talented Police Officers

(1)In response to a request at the previous meeting the Chief Constable reported as to the three processes under which police officers could be identified as potential senior and chief officers. He indicated the number of current Force members who had passed through one or other of those schemes and referred to proposals in course of development for identifying other suitable officers.

(2)RESOLVED that the position be noted.

20.Estate Strategy: Planned Development Projects at Headquarters

The Chief Constable reported that parts of the programme of development planned for Headquarters were being reviewed, with a view to improving vehicle circulation and security by introducing vehicle barriers, a one-way system and additional car parking. Members agreed a proposal to familiarise themselves with the building projects by means of a seminar.

21.Chairman’s Report

The Chairman reported on his activities in representing or acting on behalf of the Authority since its last meeting, including the opening of the Broadstairs Police Shop.

22.Appointments to Committees, Police and

Community Consultative Groups and

Outside Bodies, and Answering Questions

at County Council Meetings

RESOLVED that approval be given in respect of:-

(a) the amended terms of reference and membership of the Authority’s standing committees and the Secretariat Advisory Group, as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to these Minutes;

(b) the Authority’s representation on police and community consultative groups and outside bodies, as set out in Appendices 3 and 4 to these Minutes; and

23.Local Government Reorganisation and Dates of Meetings

(1)The Clerk reported that the Home Office had consulted the Authority on a draft order to make the necessary changes to its constitutional arrangements consequent upon the creation of the Medway Towns Council.

(2)RESOLVED that:-

(a) the Home Office be asked to:

(i) make the order effective from 1 September 1997 rather than

October, and

(ii) amend the order so as not to debar County Council members for Medway divisions who have also been elected to the Medway Towns Council from being appointed to the Authority as reconstituted.

(b) the seminar on draft objectives and the meeting of the Authority scheduled for Wednesday, 24 September 1997 be postponed until Wednesday, 8 October.

24.Circulars Etc.

The Clerk submitted a list of circulars etc. received.

25.Committee of Local Police Authorities

The Clerk submitted a digest of the final meeting of the Committee of Local Police Authorities, held on 20 March 1997.

26.Association of Chief Police Officers/Police Authorities Committee:

Joint Summer Conference 1997

RESOLVED that the Chairman, Mr G D Clarkson, CBE, QFSM and Mr S macLachlan, MBE be confirmed as the Authority’s delegates to the 1997 Joint Summer Conference.

EXEMPT MINUTES

(Open Access to Minutes)

The Authority 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 likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 8, 9 and 10 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act.

27.Chief Officers’ Committee

The Clerk submitted the Minutes of the Chief Officers’ Committee of 23 April 1997, which had agreed to the designation of Mr R Ayling under Section 12(4) of the Police Act 1996, and reported a subsequent decision on his salary level.

28.Capital Programme: Swale Improvements

Mr T C Glucklich made a declaration of non-pecuniary interest.

(1)The Chief Constable reported as to progress with a scheme for improvements at Sittingbourne Police Station, for which expenditure of £1.48m had been approved.

(2)RESOLVED that approval be given to:-

(a) the deferment of the part of the scheme to provide extra office space by overbuilding on the three wings of the existing Sittingbourne Police Station until a full and proper cost appraisal can be made of the viability of acquiring Revenue House, an adjoining property;

(b) the opening of formal negotiations with the North Kent Healthcare Trust, leaseholder of most of that property; and

(c) the reduced scheme to upgrade the custody suite and relocate the control room at an estimated cost of £760,000, subject to this part of the scheme proceeding under delegated powers with a tolerance not exceeding 5 per cent above the estimated cost.

Appendix 1

KENT POLICE AUTHORITY

19 JUNE 1997

(Paragraph 22 of the Minutes refers)

COMMITTEES AND SECRETARIAT ADVISORY GROUP’S

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Audit Committee

1.To approve the internal and external audit programmes and fees.

2.To discuss the management letter and any reports from the external auditor and report with recommendations to the Authority.

3.To manage an adequate and effective internal audit and to approve reports on progress against the work plan and consider appropriate action.

4.To approve reports on Treasury Management and Risk Management.

5.To satisfy itself generally, on behalf of the Authority, as to the control systems in operation.

Chief Officers’ Committee

1.To shortlist and interview applicants for the post of Chief Constable and make an appointment.

2.To appoint Assistant Chief Constables.

3.To deal with all other matters relating to the pay and conditions of service of Chief Officers.

4.To consider and deal with or report to the Authority as appropriate any complaint against a Chief Officer.

Complaints Committee

1.To oversee the discharge of the Chief Constable’s responsibility with regard to complaints against police officers up to and including the rank of Superintendent.

2.To supervise the Authority’s Lay Visiting Scheme on the lines set out in Home Office Circular 4/1992.

3.To receive reports of payments made in settlement of court action against police officers.

Secretariat Advisory Group

To advise the Clerk on the staffing of the Secretariat and the management of the Members’ and Secretariat’s budget.

Appendix 2

KENT POLICE AUTHORITY

19 JUNE 1997

(Paragraph 22 of the Minutes refers)

MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES AND

SECRETARIAT ADVISORY GROUP

Committee/Group / Existing Member
1. Audit Committee / Mr G D Clarkson, CBE, QFSM
Mr W A Hayton
Mr TC Glucklich
Mr S macLachlan, MBE
Mr D Pocknall, JP
Mr P Rollins
2. Chief Officers’ Committee / Sir John Grugeon, DL
Lady Harri Lady Harrison
Mr MWE Jones
Mrs E H Lowe
Mr RS Norman
Mrs P F Stubbs, JP
3. Complaints Committee / Mr B W Bright
Mr D B Gibson, JP
Mr J Palmer
Mr K Sansum
Mr D A Sinclair
Mrs P F Stubbs, JP
4. Secretariat Advisory Group / Mr G D Clarkson, CBE, QFSM
Mr MWE Jones
Mr J Palmer
Mr D A Sinclair
Mrs P F Stubbs, JP

Appendix 3

KENT POLICE AUTHORITY

19 JUNE 1997

(Paragraph 22 of the Minutes refers)

POLICE AUTHORITY REPRESENTATION ON POLICE AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATIVE GROUPS

Group / Member
Ashford / Sir John Grugeon, DL
Canterbury / Mr S macLachlan, MBE (Vice-Chairman)
Dartford/Swanley / Mr DB Gibson, JP (Vice-Chairman)
Dover/Deal / Mr K Sansum (Vice-Chairman)
Folkestone/Hythe / Mr J Palmer (Vice-Chairman)
Gravesham / Mr BW Bright (Vice-Chairman)
Medway / Mr MWE Jones (Chairman)
Mid Kent / Mr GD Clarkson, CBE, QFSM (Vice-Chairman)
South Kent / Sir John Grugeon, DL
Mr S macLachlan, MBE
Mrs PF Stubbs, JP
Swale / Mr TC Glucklich
Mrs EH Lowe (Vice-Chairman)
Thanet / Mr WA Hayton
Mr D Pocknall, JP (Vice-Chairman)
Mr P Rollins
West Kent / Lady Harrison
Mr R S Norman (Chairman)
Mr D A Sinclair

Appendix 4

KENT POLICE AUTHORITY

19 JUNE 1997

(Paragraph 22 of the Minutes refers)

Outside Body / Member
Local Government Association / Sir John Grugeon, DL
Police Authorities’ Committee / Mrs P F Stubbs, JP
Police Training Council
Regional Training User Committee / Mrs P F Stubbs, JP
Review of Traffic Wardens / Sir John Grugeon, DL
(working party with the Highways Authority) / Mrs E H Lowe
Mrs P F Stubbs, JP
Safer Kent Partnership Forum / Mr W A Hayton
Mrs E H Lowe
Mr S macLachlan, MBE
Mr P Rollins
South East Regional Crime Squad / Mr S macLachlan, MBE
Committee (until 31.3.98) / (Substitute Member: Lady Harrison)