Agenda item

Consideration was given to a verbal briefing from Superintendent Danny Inglis around the concerns raised by local residents about Policing in West Oldham.

Members were informed that since 2011, £183 million had been removed from the Policing budget which equates to 20% of the overall budget. This resulted in there now being over 1000 less staff both frontline and back office, including 45 less officers for the Borough of Oldham. It was stated that due to the loss of the back officers, officer’s time spent out on the streets was being taken up by paperwork and since 2012, there had been an upsurge in the number of crimes recorded including increases of burglary, robbery, rape and child exploitation. 

Members queried the time it takes for officers to respond to crimes and made reference to a recent break-in at the Spindles Shopping Centre that the Police still had not responded to 5 days later. Members were informed that all crimes recorded had to be prioritised depending on the risk, crime and threat and that property crime was classed as a low priority.

Members commented on the number of people smoking cannabis and that many law abiding citizens use it for a range of issues or have used it at some point in their lives. It was stated that the police had lost the war on drugs as they cannot enforce it, and that either resources are given to help with enforcement or make it legalised. Members stated that young people were being criminalised for cannabis use which was not something that Members wanted. It was stated that the Government should tax the selling of cannabis and the income generated could be used to fund vital services such as the police whilst also keeping the money away from dealers. Members were informed that rogue landlords were a problem and a recent police operation found that in 5 out of 20 houses raided, cannabis farms were found. In the past 6 months, half a million pounds worth of cannabis had been found in the town centre and £450k worth of spice had been taken off the streets.

Members were informed that there was a need to get the public’s confidence back in the police however the service felt it set itself up for this as Officers used to attend to all crimes recorded. Members were informed that since the change in the shift patterns, the time it takes to respond to a call out has reduced from 8 hours to 4 hours. Members stated that there was a need for the police to be out there and available for members of the public, however not all require visits but some type of communication was needed. Members were informed that the demand for Officers was high and the service needed to get the right technology for the 101 number for it to work efficiently.

Members queried the use of PCSO’s in the Borough and what functions they could do to relieve the pressure off of Officers. Members were informed that PCSO’s had specific unionised job rolls and that they could collect evidence however they are unable to pack the evidence together. It was stated that a number of police forces had removed the use of PCSO’s altogether. Members were informed that the sickness levels had doubled due to the massive strain put on the Officers. Members were informed that to help alleviate the pressure 10 apprentices had been appointed for Oldham and 5 new Officers were due to start.

RESOLVED that the information presented be noted.