Agenda item - Presentation(s)

Before proceeding to the formal business of the meeting there will be a short presentation by representatives by Chris Neilson on behalf of “Community Guardians” outlining their work.

Following the presentation Members will have the opportunity to ask questions following which there will be a short break before proceeding to the main business of the agenda.

15.1    Before proceeding to the formal business of the meeting, the Chair, Councillor Daniel, welcomed Chris Neilson, the Strategic Policy Lead for Business and Crime to speak on behalf of “Community Guardians” and invited him to give a short presentation outlining their work.

15.2    It was explained that the scheme fostered resource co-ordination through the local council/business community (BCRP) with powers as needed. There was the ability to attend incidents of crime or ASB’s which were relevant to the community or the council acting as devolved agents for the PSPO and to problem solve persistent issues and supported targeting of problematic individuals alongside police prevention teams and linked with other statutory and voluntary agencies as appropriate locally.

15.3    In Brighton & Hove, Community Guardians Patrolled the outlying areas of the city in order to increase visibility and to deter and disrupt crime. There had been improved engagement from businesses with the Brighton BCRP and bids. They had been the first responders to a serious day time knife crime incident at Churchill Square, Brighton in July 2017. Since October 2015 Community Guardians across the area had reported 1500+ incidents/intelligence, dealt with 450+ crimes and had detained 59 individuals until the Police could attend.

15.4    Following the presentation Members had the opportunity to ask questions.

15.5    RESOLVED – That the content of the presentation be received and noted.