The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met on Monday 13 April 2026 to discuss decisions made by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, review the panel's policies and procedures, and address questions from the public and panel members. Key discussions included the national reorganisation of police forces, the Deputy Commissioner's vehicle tax and MOT issues, and the review and adoption of the panel's operational procedures.

Decisions Published by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner

The panel noted two decisions published by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC): the purchase and supply of electricity and public perception surveys. The Commissioner, Ben Adams, elaborated on these decisions. He highlighted the national arrangement for electricity purchase as an example of potential cost savings through joint buying, particularly relevant given current global energy market volatility. Regarding public perception surveys, he emphasised their importance in understanding public confidence and priorities for local policing, noting the use of social media to gather richer data. He stated that these surveys would help tailor neighbourhood policing efforts to community expectations.

Questions to the PFCC from Members of the Public

Two public questions were addressed. The first, from Mr Tom Higgins, concerned the recruitment and deployment of new neighbourhood officers and Special Constables, and its impact on visibility in South Staffordshire. Councillor Vince Merrick echoed this concern, asking about the implications of potential government plans to reduce the number of police forces nationally.

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams responded that the recruitment target for 53 additional neighbourhood officers had been met, with further recruitment being explored. He explained that deployment locations are operational matters and subject to change, making it inappropriate to commit to specific numbers for South Staffordshire, though he assured the area would be appropriately resourced. He also noted that the target for recruiting 15 Special Constables had not been met due to a review that released some members for not meeting commitment levels, but that the force now had a strong core group to build upon.

Regarding the potential reduction in police forces, Commissioner Adams expressed significant concern. He stated that a proposal to reduce the 43 forces to around a dozen, being reviewed by Lord Hogan-Howe, posed a serious risk to local governance and accountability. He warned that this could lead to the end of Staffordshire Police as an independent force, with a loss of local focus and control. He urged local authorities to engage with the government on this issue to ensure a balance between national efficiencies and local delivery, and to retain local accountability.

The second public question, from Mrs Mallender, raised complex allegations concerning child abuse and joint enterprise, referencing a court judgment and international events. Commissioner Adams stated that Staffordshire Police could only investigate criminal offences within its legal jurisdiction. He clarified that allegations involving foreign governments, armed forces, or international conflict were outside the remit of a local police force. He suggested that Mrs Mallender might wish to pose such questions to her Member of Parliament.

Review of Panel's Policies and Procedures

The panel reviewed a report from a working group tasked with updating its policies and procedures. Councillor Richard Cox, Chair of the Panel, presented the recommendations, which included adopting revised terms of reference, procedure rules, and a complaints process. He acknowledged the significant work undertaken by Mandy Clark and Kate Loader in preparing the report. The Commissioner, Ben Adams, supported the review, noting that updated procedures would be beneficial given upcoming legislative changes affecting Police, Fire and Crime Panels. The panel agreed to adopt the recommendations as a whole.

Deputy Commissioner - Motor Vehicle Tax & MOT

A report detailed an incident where the Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Dave Evans, had driven his personal vehicle without valid road tax or an MOT for 19 days. The report explained that this was due to a DVLA system error and a misunderstanding by Mr Evans regarding his MOT expiry date. Mr Evans had since rectified the situation, booked an MOT, taxed the vehicle, and paid an £80 penalty. He had also stepped down as Chair of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership to avoid distracting from its work. Staffordshire Police had assessed the matter and issued a non-endorseable fixed penalty fine, considering the public interest test for public officials. The panel was asked to consider the information presented.

Questions to the PFCC by Panel Members

During this agenda item, the Commissioner provided further information on various topics. He mentioned ongoing consultation in Stafford Borough regarding public space protection orders for face coverings and offered to visit local authorities to discuss community safety issues.

Dates of Future Meetings and Work Programme

The panel reviewed its future meeting dates and work programme. Items for future consideration included the implications of Local Government Reorganisation on community safety, future Police and Fire board transition arrangements, police reform, a Police HQ visit, custody suite developments in South Staffordshire, and an update on the Firearms Training facility. The next scheduled meeting was set for 28 September 2026.

The panel also agreed to join a Regional Networking Forum, with the £420 cost to be covered by the Home Office Grant.

Additionally, the panel agreed to amend its complaint hearing process to allow the Chair to appoint a substitute if they or the Vice-Chair were unable to attend a hearing.

The panel noted the Commissioner's Annual Report for 2025/26, which highlighted achievements in tackling anti-social behaviour, retail crime, and vehicle crime, while also noting mixed inspection results for the police and ongoing inspection for the fire service. The Commissioner also warned of the potential impact of budget reductions and local government reorganisation on service delivery and community safety. The panel resolved to request further information on drug driving roadside testing, the Kulpra pilot, and the evidence behind changes to PCSO operational hours.