The Chairperson commenced this item by introducing Chief Superintendent Alun Morgan to Members. Chief Superintendent Morgan was present before the Forum today, to give a verbal presentation on local policing matters.

He stated that he would share some of the issues going forward, as well as outline some of the problems the police faced and of course how they intended dealing with them.

He gave an overview of the current issues and of the desire to be as efficient as possible in the current climate and to identify the most appropriate resources to police in the correct areas, all supported by data and technologies to assist us in that service delivery.

He praised the Council for its desire to work with the police on local issues such as homelessness, drug supplying/misuse and anti-social behaviour and then declared the five policing priorities that the force had formally adopted, namely domestic abuse, knife crime, ‘county lines,’ rape and serious sexual offences as well as the need to prevent and respond to terrorist and extremist threats.

Chief Superintendent Morgan then gave a more detailed explanation of a ‘county line’ that involved a situation arising whereby, drug gangs from big cities expand their operations to smaller towns, often using violence to drive out local dealers and exploiting the vulnerable to sell drugs. These dealers will use dedicated mobile phone lines, the 'county lines' to undertake their business.   

The greater focus on these five priorities would see, perhaps like never before, a more joined-up focus from the police, committing more specialist resources to combat and reduce these priority issues.

He added that there was a process now in place in the police, that allowed for new probationer officers and transferee opportunities, as well as a direct entry scheme for investigators.

All these changes will look to deal more effectively with the more serious calls for service, which were on the increase. Such reinforcement would be implemented, particularly in response to incidents of anti-social behaviour over the anticipated summer months, when such incidents increased in light of the nicer weather.

A Member asked if there was any proposal to reduce the number of police stations, and in particular, Porthcawl Police station.

Chief Superintendent Morgan confirmed that the police estate was constantly being reviewed with no immediate concerns for this station, adding that a merger, like the one to take place in Llantwit Major imminently, could be attractive to Porthcawl, with the caveat that any change would not see policing of the area compromised by any such review. He further advised that the Llantwit Major model sees a new four blue-light partnership with fire, as well as ambulance and coastguard.

Chief Superintendent Morgan then discussed Operation Red Dragon. This was a crackdown by the police with regard to the supply of Class A drugs with the insertion of an undercover police officer actively patrolling the streets of Barry and Bridgend from July to October 2018, in order to obtain some intelligence and evidence to arrest the perpetrators. This resulted in a very successful operation, which resulted in over 70 arrests, a considerable number of which led to terms of imprisonment.

This would alleviate rather than stem the problem however and he urged those present and constituents of the County Borough, to notify the police if they had any suspicion whatsoever of drug supply/use at any location in their area.

Chief Superintendent Morgan then gave an overview of the Roads Policing Department and advised that efficiencies would see more use of police motorbikes as well as police cars, with a more modern rota system to better meet road demand.

He then added that the police were also becoming increasingly involved with other stakeholders, including BCBC, with supporting those suffering with mental ill-health issues as well as looked after children (LACs). Issues relating to both were potentially serious and came with a certain element of risk that had migrated over time, from the originating agency to the police. This too would have to be reviewed he further.

On more generic seasonal problems, the summer at Trecco Bay, the fairground and Newton Green etc, reassurances were given by Chief Superintendent Morgan that plans were in place to look to negate or minimise any anti-social behaviour within these ‘hot spot’ areas.

He assured those present, that the police were already heavily planning for this year’s Elvis concert, to manage the anti-social behaviour associated with the event. He expressed his concerns that no payment was made for the policing services attached to the event, that ran into several tens of thousands of pounds, though he accepted that one venue did offer some financial support towards partnership schemes, such as ambulance triage and lost children.

He also raised the Homeless MARAC in Bridgend, where the vulnerable, particularly in the colder months at the mercy of inclement weather, have support. He added however, that there should be more partnership facilities provided where those sleeping rough could take shelter in a safer environment, as opposed to being out on the streets.

He then gave an overview of localised issues of drug abuse and parking in Porthcawl town centre, before he was challenged further on the power of BCBC Enforcement Officers to assist with local issues such as car parking and dog fouling. It was explained that Council Officers did have the power to fine people for illegal parking through the issuing of Penalty Notices, which would assist matters locally. It was more difficult however, to fine dog owners for not picking up their animals mess after them in public places, as this offence had to be witnessed in order for a Notice to be successfully issued and the owner fined.

Chief Superintendent Morgan then alluded to Operation Sceptre. This was something that had been ongoing for some time, and had been initially set-up to deter knife related crime. It was important he added, to recognise that arresting our way out of the problem was not the solution, but that he preferred a fuller, partnership engagement programme through schools, youth service and any other agency to reinforce the message that it’s not ‘cool to carry.’

A Member asked the Officer if he felt that the 101 service of the Police was inadequate in terms of the speed of a substantive response to such calls, by the public.

Chief Superintendent Morgan advised that South Wales continued to enjoy above average performance with around 86% of calls answered in the required timescales. He added that this issue was also clouded, due to the fact that some members of the public, being unable to properly distinguish the difference between 101 and 999 calls and he gave examples of misuse of the system for the benefit of Members.

A Member asked if PCSO’s could issue Fixed Penalty Notices.

Chief Superintendent Morgan replied that PCSO’s had very limited powers and this did not extend to issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for a host of offences, as they had no powers to detain the public.

This concluded the presentation by the police representative, and the Leader thanked the Chief Superintendent for his submission, which he was sure Members found both interesting and informative.

RESOLVED:                  That Town and Community Council Forum noted the above verbal presentation.