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 extending the term of office for two current independent co-opted members, Mrs Vicky Newbury and Dr Stephen Handsley. This proposal was put forward to ensure continuity for the Panel's work until the abolition of the Police and Crime Commissioner role in May 2028, as stipulated by Schedule 6 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011¹. The report pack recommended extending their terms until 4 May 2028, noting that a full recruitment process would be significantly shortened given the impending abolition of the role.

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 is a requirement of the Grant Agreement with the Home Office, which provides funding for the Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel. The report details the Panel's activities in relation to scrutinising the Police and Crime Commissioner's actions and decisions, monitoring the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan, and reviewing the proposed police precept.

Police Reform White Paper: A New Model for Policing

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be 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 proposals 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 pack indicated that further updates would be provided as proposals for the new policing model develop.

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, supported by Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to crime types within this category. A detailed Public Assurance Meeting (PAM) report from Derbyshire Constabulary was to provide further information, including data on drug possession and trafficking offences, stop searches, and the disruption of County Lines. The report highlighted a 32% increase in drug possession offences and a 4.9% rise in drug trafficking offences in the year to October 2025. It also noted the administration of Naloxone on 90 occasions between May 2024 and June 2026 to prevent fatalities.

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 initiatives, activities, and KPIs related to pertinent crime types. The report indicated that VAWG funding from the Ministry of Justice 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 programmes. The report also detailed the allocation of £641,000 in Serious Violence Duty Funding for 2026-27, which would support initiatives such as Young Futures Panels, school exclusion programmes, and mentoring services. Knife crime figures were presented, showing a 4.3% increase in total knife crime offences for the year ending December 2025 compared to the previous year, though a 7.4% decrease compared to 2023. VAWG offences overall showed a 0.4% decrease in the same period.

Member Question and Answer Session

A session was scheduled for members to ask questions, providing an opportunity for clarification and further discussion on any of the agenda items.

Announcements from the PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner was expected to make announcements, which could include updates on ongoing work, new initiatives, or other relevant information.

Forthcoming Events

An oral update on any forthcoming events relevant to the Panel's work was scheduled.

Forward Plan 2026-27

The Panel was to be provided with the Forward Plan for 2026-27 for information, outlining future work and priorities.