Minutes:
The Mayor welcomed Chief Superintendent Chris Bowen to the meeting, who addressed Members, updating Council on the Greater Manchester Policing Plan, further to his last attendance at Council (on 3rd November 2021, minute 6).
He reminded Council that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had previously made five promises to the people of Greater Manchester, that were outlined in November 2021, namely: -
1. To respond to incidents and emergencies
2. To investigate and solve crime
3. To prevent, reduce crime, reduce harm and reduce anti-social behaviour
4. To deliver outstanding service
5. To build back public trust and confidence
Chief Superintendent Bowen added that statistically GMP was the most improved police force in the country. GMP was in the top 10% of forces for answering and reacting to 999 calls and their response rates to 101 calls were also good. The force was getting to over 85% of Grade 1 emergency calls within the required 15 minutes.
In Oldham arrests had risen by 51% and there had been significant progress made in the battle against domestic violence. Correspondingly there has been no increase in the numbers of complaints made against GMP, or its officers by members of the public.
Councillor Chadderton asked about progress relating to Operation Sherwood, further to the special meeting of the Council held on 27th June 2022. Chief Superintendent Bowen said that he could not comment on an ongoing investigation in detail.
Councillor C Phythian asked about plans that were in place to counter speeding motorists, which was an issue of particular concern in the Borough’s Royton North ward. Chief Superintendent Bowen replied that countering speeding traffic was a GMP priority and plans were in place to bring all traffic enforcement under one department, which would help to ensure more effective enforcement.
Councillor Sykes asked when the public would start to feel the benefits and the difference from the implementation of the Greater Manchester policing priorities and sought clarification on DBS checks. Chief Superintendent Bowen replied that Greater Manchester police were recruiting 120 new police officers every five weeks and the Oldham division would, receive a pro-rata number of new officers with each intake. Oldham was expected to receive an additional seven officers, in January 2023, as part of the pro-rat allocation. Regarding DBS checks Chief Superintendent Bowen undertook to write to the Council with an update.
Councillor Al-Hamdani asked if GMP were working towards each Ward having a ‘named officer’ which was a stated commitment of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Mayor. Chief Superintendent Bowen confirmed that there were two Wards in the Borough that were currently without a named officer and that, from March 2023, neighbourhood policing should be at full strength in the Borough. The secondment of Neighbourhood Officers would continue in the event of resourcing pressures.
Councillor Sheldon referred to numerous examples of dangerous driving occurring in Saddleworth and the dangers that such negligent activity posed to members of the public. He therefore asked if GMP were dealing adequately with dangerous and speeding drivers and whether the police had enough resources to tackle the problem? Chief Superintendent Bowen replied that addressing the issue of speeding and dangerous drivers was a priority for GMP and he outlined several measures that the force was taking to address this issue including the use of mobile speed cameras.
Councillor Arnott referred to an incident in 2021 when ex-Councillor Shah’s motor vehicle was fire-bombed. Chief Superintendent Bowen replied that it would not be appropriate to comment on a live investigation.
Councillor Hobin asked about rotas for Police Constables and PCSOs. Chief Superintendent Bowen commented that these rotas are being combined to avoid over or under staffing as part of the Neighbourhood Policing review.
Councillor Rea referred to the ‘CSE helpline that had been established and whether it had been of any assistance to GMP in their investigations. Chief Superintendent Bowen did not provide exact figures in relation to the uptake of the helpline.
The Mayor thanked Chief Superintendent Bowen for his attendance.