Crime and Disorder Scrutiny

Three Rivers Crime and Disorder Scrutiny

Questions to be addressed 1. Do PCSOs provide an effective service in return for the HCC investment? a. To support independent living b. To secure a good education for all c. To provide reassurance and confidence to our residents that they live in safe neighbourhoods 2. Are Members satisfied that PCSOs are making a difference

Response Three Rivers response will focus on 1c: PCSOs providing reassurance and confidence to our residents that they live in safe neighbourhoods

Fear of Crime Survey (ORS) , 2008 Three Rivers conducted a survey with young people in Maple Cross, Mill End and South Oxhey. Approaching a third (32%) stated they felt ‘very safe’ in their local area, 29% stating they felt ‘fairly safe’.

Follow up focus group work in Mill End (ORS, 2008), confirmed that young people (9- 14 years) feel PCSOs are very visible. However when asked if officers and PCSOs make them feel safe, they could not commit, as they believed trouble makers knew where and when to avoid them.

A further focus group in Mill End for adults (35-54 years) believed that PCSOs do have benefit, as the eyes and ears of the police force. However they wanted PCSOs to have more power and authority. There was also uncertainty as to whether PCSOs worked at night time and further re-assurance and clarification was required. Anti-social behaviour was deemed to be the main community safety problem, which fits in well with the responsibilities of PCSOs.

Crime results Whilst crime figures cannot be directly attributed to PCSO work, improved community safety figures would suggest a contribution.

Actual crime In Three Rivers - criminal damage, burglary and violent crime are all down 3% in 2009/10, year on year.

Perception The Place Survey (2008/09) sees positive results in Three Rivers for community cohesion (83.1%), low anti-social behaviour (12.5%), perception of police/local public services success in dealing with ASB and crime (33.6%), perception of police and local public services seeking public views about ASB and crime (23.7%). All the aforementioned ratings are in the top quartile across all England authorities.

Further development since the crime figures - Head cams Anecdotally, Three Rivers Community Safety Partnership reports that the PCSOs head cams are acting as deterrents for anti-social behaviour.

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