The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss a range of significant issues, including updates on drug dealing and substance misuse, serious violence, and violence against women and girls. The panel was also set to consider the recruitment of independent members and review the Police and Crime Panel's annual report.

Recruitment of Independent Members: Extension to Term of Office

The panel was scheduled to consider a proposal to extend the term of office for the two current independent co-opted members, Dr Stephen Handsley and Mrs Vicky Newbury. This recommendation was made to ensure continuity for the Panel's work until the abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner role in 2028, avoiding a lengthy and resource-intensive recruitment process for a significantly shortened term. The report noted that if the Panel decided not to extend the terms, a recruitment process would be necessary to ensure the Panel remained legally constituted.

Annual Report of the Police and Crime Panel 2025-2026

The panel was scheduled to consider the proposed Annual Report of work undertaken by the Panel for the municipal year 2025 to 2026. This report was intended to demonstrate that the Panel had met the Key Performance Indicators specified in the Grant Agreement with the Home Office, which included the number of public meetings held, scrutiny documents produced, and engagement with the public and the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Police Reform White Paper: A New Model for Policing

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the government's White Paper, 'From local to national: a new model for policing'. This paper outlines plans for reforming the police service across England and Wales, aiming for a more consistent, capable, and responsive service. Key elements of the proposed reform include the creation of a National Police Service, potential police force mergers, and the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners in 2028, with their powers transferring to elected mayors or Policing and Crime Boards. The report indicated that further updates would be provided as proposals for the new policing model developed.

Drug Dealing and Substance Misuse Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on the progress made concerning the Police and Crime Commissioner's strategic priority on 'Drug Dealing and Substance Misuse'. This update was to summarise ongoing initiatives and activities, along with Key Performance Indicators related to pertinent crime types. A detailed Public Assurance Meeting (PAM) report from Derbyshire Constabulary was to be provided, outlining progress against six sub-points within this priority. The report highlighted an increase in drug possession offences and a rise in drug-related stop searches, attributing these to improved recording standards and proactive enforcement. It also detailed efforts to disrupt drug supply networks and County Lines, alongside initiatives for young people and the use of Naloxone by police officers.

Serious Violence including Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Update

An update was scheduled on the progress made concerning the strategic priority of 'Serious Violence, including Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG)'. This update was to summarise ongoing initiatives and activities, along with Key Performance Indicators related to pertinent crime types. The report indicated that dedicated funding for addressing VAWG would be protected until 2027-28, with Derbyshire set to receive £1.111 million in 2026-27 for specialist domestic abuse services, sexual violence support, community-based support, and prevention and education programmes. The report also detailed funding for the Serious Violence Duty, including initiatives like Young Futures Panels, school exclusion programmes, and mentoring services.

Finance Update

A finance update was scheduled, though details were marked as To Follow .

Member Question and Answer Session

A session was planned for members to ask questions.

Announcements from the PCC

The panel was scheduled to hear announcements from the Police and Crime Commissioner.

Forthcoming Events

An oral update on any forthcoming events was to be provided.

Forward Plan 2026-27

The panel was to be provided with the Forward Plan for 2026-27 for information.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was to be confirmed.