To receive a presentation from Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police Crime Commissioner.
Minutes:
5.1 |
The Committee received a verbal update from Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police Crime Commissioner, on the Police and Crime Plan for South Yorkshire (2023-2025). |
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5.2 |
Dr Billings explained that he had reached his third and final term of his elective post as Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire. This was due to end in May 2024, after having been in post for ten years. During this time, he had appointed two Chief Constables, one of which was Stephen Watson, who was appointed at a time when public trust and confidence in South Yorkshire Police had ebbed as a result of being accused of ‘turning a blind eye’ to reports of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, and due to the findings of the Hillsborough disaster inquest. Dr Billings stated that Chief Constable Watson had ‘turned the force around’ during his time at South Yorkshire Police, before leaving to carry out a similar role at Greater Manchester Police. Lauren Poultney was appointed as his successor, to maintain this progress and ensure that South Yorkshire Police was a modern force, staying ahead of criminal gangs. Dr Billings added that the Force was able to attract and retain staff, and cared about the wellbeing of its staff. |
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5.3 |
Dr Billings noted that his role also included the production each year of the Police and Crime Plan for South Yorkshire, that set out priorities for South Yorkshire Police. He advised that he was able to hold the Force to account on the priorities, and held regular meetings to check progress on plan implementation. He noted the following three priorities contained within the Plan:
1. Protecting Vulnerable People 2. Tackling Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour 3. Treating People Fairly |
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5.4 |
Dr Billings advised that he set the budget for South Yorkshire Police, and that this was a challenge due to tighter budgets. Further information was available within the Plan itself. |
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5.5 |
Members of the Committee and members of the public present raised questions and the following responses were provided:- |
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5.6 |
The Chair thanked Dr Billings for attending the meeting. |
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