The Derbyshire Police and Crime Panel was scheduled to discuss significant reforms to policing, including the potential transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner functions and updates on national policing performance. The panel was also set to review the force's financial strategies and neighbourhood policing initiatives.

Police Reform and the Transfer of Police & Crime Commissioner Functions

A key item on the agenda was the government's proposed police reform programme, detailed in the White Paper From Local to National: A New Model for Policing. This reform includes the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in May 2028, with their functions transferring to elected mayors where boundaries align, or to new Policing and Crime Boards. For Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, this means functions would transfer to the Mayor of the East Midlands, as part of the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). The report outlined the work being undertaken locally through the Public Safety Integration Programme (PSIP) to prepare for this transition, covering governance, staffing, finance, and IT systems. The recommendation was for the Panel to note these developments and the progress of the PSIP.

National Police Performance System Update

The Panel was scheduled to receive an update on the new national Policing Performance System, introduced in April 2026. This system assesses police forces across England and Wales, categorising them into one of four performance levels. Derbyshire Constabulary was assessed as a Level Two Force, indicating emerging or lower-level concerns requiring improvement activity and monitoring. This assessment was informed by findings from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services' (HMICFRS) 2026 National Child Protection Inspection, specifically concerning the force's arrangements for recognising and responding to risks to children. The Constabulary has developed a comprehensive improvement programme in response to these findings.

Neighbourhood Policing

Significant discussion was anticipated regarding the strategic priority of Neighbourhood Policing. The report detailed the progress made through the National Neighbourhood Policing Uplift Programme, which aimed to increase the number of officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) dedicated to neighbourhood policing. Derbyshire Constabulary had achieved growth against its baseline and was on track to meet its uplift targets. The report also covered the implementation of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (NPG), which sets standards for community engagement, visibility, and response times. Initiatives such as Hotspot Policing, Community Speed Watch, and the Rural Crime Team's activities were also to be reviewed, alongside performance data for 999 and 101 services, and digital contact channels.

Medium-Term Financial Strategy and Plan

The Panel was to be informed about the current Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2031 and the Reserves Strategy for the same period for Derbyshire Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC). An updated Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as at August 2026 was presented, highlighting a projected funding gap of approximately £3.8 million in 2027/28, increasing in subsequent years. The strategy outlined the national and local financial pressures, including increasing policing demands, the impact of devolution, and economic factors like inflation and interest rates. The report detailed the funding position from central government grants and Council Tax, as well as the force's savings programme and capital plans.

Response to Member Question

A response was scheduled to be provided to a question submitted by a Panel member regarding a report from Policy Exchange assessing Anti-Racism in policing. The response indicated that the recommendations within the report were complex and fell under the responsibility of various organisations, including the Government and national policing bodies. The Commissioner's expectation was that Derbyshire Constabulary would police fairly and impartially, with robust accountability mechanisms in place.

Announcements from the PCC and Forthcoming Events

The Panel was scheduled to hear announcements from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), including an update on the recruitment process for the Chief Constable. An oral update on forthcoming events was also anticipated, with training for Panel members being arranged for October.