The Kent County Council Scrutiny Committee convened as the Crime and Disorder Committee to review the Kent Community Safety Agreement (CSA). The committee noted the refreshed Community Safety Agreement for April 2025, along with the year-end action plan and performance summary for 2024/25, and agreed to note partners for their hard work. Discussions covered actions undertaken over the previous year, emerging issues, and the importance of collaboration among various agencies to manage crime and disorder across Kent.

Kent Community Safety Agreement

The committee convened to discuss the Kent Community Safety Agreement (CSA), a mandatory agreement for two-tier authorities that outlines key priorities for community safety and is used by Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs) to meet their statutory duties under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998¹. The CSA draws together strategic aims from services in the crime, disorder and public safety sectors, promoting a coordinated approach to inter-agency planning. The refreshed CSA for April 2025 maintains the previous year's priorities, including:

• Preventing Neighbourhood Crime & Anti-social Behaviour (ASB)
• Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
• Domestic Abuse
• Serious Violence and Organised Crime
• Safeguarding Vulnerable People
• Preventing Extremism and Hate
• Substance Misuse
• Road Safety

The committee agreed to note the refreshed Community Safety Agreement (April 2025) and the year-end action plan and performance summary for 2024/25.

Community Safety Partnership

The Kent Community Safety Partnership (KCSP) is responsible for delivering the CSA priorities. The KCSP includes senior officers from responsible authorities, local CSP Chairs, and the County Council portfolio holder. The responsible authorities are:

• Kent Police
• District & Borough Councils
• Kent County Council
• Kent Fire & Rescue Service
• NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board
• Probation Service

The KCSP is supported by a working group of senior representatives from countywide statutory partners and the multi-agency Kent Community Safety Team (KCST). The KCST supports the work of both county and district partners.

Performance and Data Challenges

Challenges around data collection and reporting were raised, particularly regarding antisocial behaviour and domestic abuse. It was noted that intensive analysis is required to consolidate surveys and data from local CSPs.

Prevent Awareness

Rebecca Ainslie-Malik, Parent Governor, raised the importance of Prevent² awareness within schools, emphasising the need for nuance in its implementation.

Visibility of Neighbourhood Policing

The committee discussed how to monitor and nurture neighbourhood policing to increase public confidence and reporting rates.

Nitrous Oxide Usage

The committee discussed the increasing usage of nitrous oxide, with concerns raised about the difficulty in obtaining accurate figures. It was noted that the usage is being monitored through litter picks and engagement with young people services like We Are With You.

Anti-Social Behaviour

The committee discussed anti-social behaviour (ASB) and drug abuse across Kent. It was noted that Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) runs an award-winning antisocial behaviour team that liaises with Kent Police.

Councillor Hudson raised concerns about individuals with electronic tags committing offences in public areas like Week Street, which undermines public confidence in monitoring efforts.

Engagement with Schools

The committee heard that the Prevent Education Office engages with schools, and there was support for increasing peer-to-peer initiatives. The Year 6 Safety in Action program was also highlighted as a valuable initiative.

Domestic Abuse Support

The committee discussed the importance of working together to support families experiencing domestic abuse, referencing the EA strategy.

Voluntary Sector Partners

The committee acknowledged the contributions of voluntary sector partners and local health alliances in district councils.

Artificial Intelligence

The committee discussed the potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance community safety efforts, while acknowledging its limitations in certain areas.