Agenda item

To receive a presentation on the Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Draft Strategy from Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper, Chair of the Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership. – Please note that a report for this item will be published as a later agenda supplement.

The Board received a presentation from Assistant Chief Constable Mark Cooper, Chair of the Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership.

Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Draft Strategy

The presentation covered the following matters:

• An overview of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) was provided, with it noted that the CSP is required by law under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (2007 regulations) to produce a three-year strategy.
• Two focuses of “Keeping our communities safe” and “Protect vulnerable people from harm” were outlined with how the CSP seeks to address priorities, as well as cross-cutting themes.
• It was clarified that the work of the CSP includes road safety.

Comments were received in relation to how the cost-of-living crisis will have a dramatic affect on communities, with there likely to be a higher level of deprivation and risk of harm with inequalities likely to grow. It was noted that the Board needs to take the moment as an opportunity to create a preventative space to focus on the best level of delivery to improve the population, with information drawn from the CSP and JSNA. It was also suggested that the presentation was relevant to the Health and Wellbeing Board in the way of how wider aspects affect individuals and that prevention could be an area for investigation, potentially through the means of a workshop. This linked in with prevention and partnerships being used collectively in order to identify risks earlier in order to divert people away from statutory and secondary services in mental health. Additionally, learning points can be taken from the CSP and SVPP, with existing functions available being used to unpick conflicting ideas and priorities.

It was also questioned how would the JSNA and CSP work get brought together with data mapping on top, with it noted that nationally there hasn’t been data modelling yet on specific areas. It would be a matter of working together to understand each partner’s priorities in order to produce an output with limited resources.

From harm to hope: A 10-year drugs plan to cut crime and save lives

The presentation covered the following matters:

• An overview of the 10-year drug strategy was outlined, which had been produced by central government.
• Information was provided in regard to “Op-Scorpion” which had the aim of making the Southwest a hostile environment for drug dealing and anti-social activity. This also reflected changes that had been seen to the county line model during the pandemic. At time of reporting over 300 acts of safeguarding and referrals had taken place with those vulnerable offered outreach services.

Comments were received in relation to how it was positive to see tangible results from “Op-Scorpion”. Additionally that drugs remain a key issue that sits at the centre of harm and exploitation and that it was recommended as being a core focus for the Health and Wellbeing Board with opportunities for partnership work. In addition, it was clarified that support was in place for those who had been coerced into criminal activity with exploitation seen as a hidden harm. An example of the Public Health approach to dealing with drugs in Scotland was drawn upon, with the success noted of early intervention and providing a whole life approach. It was also acknowledged that within Wiltshire alcohol has a bigger impact than opioids.

Decision – The Wiltshire Health and Wellbeing Board accepted the following recommended proposals:

i) That the Board: notes the contents of the Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership Strategy, the national drugs strategy and the implications for partners.