The Public Health & Community Safety Cabinet Panel of Hertsmere Council convened on Wednesday 26 June 2024 to discuss updates from the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Police and Crime Panel, and the annual report on RIPA-IPA. The panel also received a health protection update.

Police and Crime Commissioner Update

The panel received an update from the Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd. The update focused on recent initiatives to reduce crime rates in Hertsmere, including the introduction of more community policing teams and increased funding for youth engagement programmes. Commissioner Lloyd highlighted the success of these initiatives, noting a significant decrease in anti-social behaviour and petty crime. He stated, Our community policing teams have been instrumental in building trust and reducing crime in our neighbourhoods.

For more details, refer to the Police and Crime Commissioner Update.

Police and Crime Panel Update

Councillor Morris Bright provided an update from the Police and Crime Panel. The panel discussed the ongoing collaboration between the police and local councils to address domestic violence and support victims. Councillor Bright emphasised the importance of multi-agency cooperation, stating, By working together, we can provide a more comprehensive support system for victims of domestic violence.

Further information can be found in the Police and Crime Panel Update.

Annual Report - RIPA-IPA 2024

The panel reviewed the annual report on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) for 2024. The report detailed the council's use of surveillance powers and compliance with legal requirements. The panel approved the report, acknowledging the importance of these powers in tackling serious crime while ensuring they are used proportionately and transparently.

The full report is available here, and the HCC RIPA surveillance policy 2024 can be accessed for further details.

Health Protection Update

A supplementary item on health protection was presented, focusing on the council's response to recent public health challenges, including the ongoing management of infectious diseases and vaccination programmes. The presentation highlighted the success of recent vaccination drives and the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent outbreaks.

The presentation can be viewed here.

For the complete agenda and reports, please refer to the Public reports pack.