Correspondence

Crime and policing news update: September 2013

Published 27 September 2013

1. HM Inspectorate of Constabulary inspection in to the police response to domestic violence and abuse

On 6 September, the government announced that it has commissioned HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to review the police response to domestic violence and abuse. The inspection will examine four key areas:

• the effectiveness of the police approach to domestic violence and abuse;
• whether victims deemed to be at risk in the future are appropriately managed;
• whether police are learning from past experiences and adapting their response; and
• whether any changes need to be made to the overall police approach.

The Government is determined to see continued reductions in domestic violence and abuse and the police play a key role in responding to, and protecting victims. It is therefore essential that the police response is as effective as it can be and has the confidence of victims. The review has been launched in response to a number of high profile cases where protection for victims could have been improved. It will look at the performance of forces across England and Wales, identify where improvements need to be made and report back to the Home Office in April 2014.

2. Home Office guide on firearms licensing to be published on 4 October

A new Guide on firearms licensing law will be published on 4 October and replaces the previous ‘Firearms law – guidance to the police’ of 2002.

This will be a key document for anyone involved in firearms licensing.

Notable updates include:

• chapter 1 - which sets out frequently asked questions on firearms licensing written in layman’s terms
• chapter 12 – previously ‘Fitness to be entrusted with a firearm’, now renamed ‘Assessing suitability’ to reflect that the factors to take into account when considering an application for a firearm certificate are also relevant to shotgun certificates
• chapter 12 - reinforces the importance of proper assessment, specifically with regards to domestic violence, when considering a person’s fitness to carry a firearm
• reducing the bureaucracy within licensing departments by reviewing the conditions on firearm certificates to cover ‘any other lawful quarry’
• allowing police forces to decide locally who pays for GPs’ certificates when assessing an individual’s suitability

3. Police National Database now available for use by other law enforcement agencies

A pilot programme to allow other law enforcement bodies access to the Police National Database (PND) has already started to bear results. Within days of giving Home Office immigration enforcement staff direct access to the PND for the first time, enforcement officers were able to obtain a warrant allowing them to arrest two foreign nationals for working illegally in Newham.

The PND is managed by the Home Office Police ICT Company Directorate (PCD) and was set up in response to the Bichard inquiry into the Soham murders, which highlighted the need for better data-sharing among law enforcement agencies. It allows police forces to share, access and search local intelligence and information held on a suspect or criminal electronically. With the support of Home Office IT, access is now being extended to other law enforcement agencies.

4. College of Policing outlines its plans to enhance the delivery of frontline policing in England and Wales

The College of Policing has published its Strategic Intent, which sets out its plans to enhance and set standards in policing, accredit educational providers and forge closer links between policing, academics and universities to assess what really works in reducing crime. The Strategic Intent also sets out the college’s work over 2013 – 2014.

The publication of the Strategic Intent outlines the College of Policing’s five core areas of responsibility:

• setting standards of professional practice
• accrediting training providers and setting learning and development outcomes
• identifying, developing and promoting good practice based on evidence
• supporting police forces and other organisations to work together to protect the public and prevent crime
• identifying, developing and promoting ethics, values and standards of integrity

The college is asking policing colleagues and stakeholders to provide feedback and views on its Strategic Intent. It will use the feedback to help develop its five-year strategy ready for the start of the next financial year (April 2014). Visit the college’s website to leave your comments.

5. Integrated Offender Management (IOM) National Conference

The Home Office is holding a national two-day IOM conference, supported by the Ministry of Justice and the College of Policing on 31 October and 1 November.

Delegates will have an opportunity to discuss a range of key themes on the future of IOM. These will include IOM within Transforming Rehabilitation and innovative approaches that areas have as part of local IOM approaches to respond to a range of crime threats. The conference will provide an opportunity to hear about the breadth of local approaches and the potential to extend these to address local crime priorities. The conference will include keynote addresses from guest speakers and interactive workshops facilitated by practitioners involved in IOM.

The conference will take place at the College of Policing in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, near Coventry, and will be free to attend. We would like to encourage attendance from a range of key partners including Police and Crime Commissioners and their representatives, and staff from the police, probation, prisons, health, youth offending services, local authorities, voluntary and community sectors, as well as the private sector.

Further information can be obtained by emailing Subash Sharma in the Crime and Criminal Justice Unit or telephoning 020 7035 0101.

6. Restorative Justice Week 2013

The Ministry of Justice will be producing a range of resources for local policing and crime organisations to help them promote restorative justice during Restorative Justice Week which takes place from 17 to 24 November 2013.

Restorative justice may include victims explaining the impact of the crime to the offender, seeking an explanation and apology from the offender or playing a part in agreeing restorative or reparative activity. It allows the victim to be heard and have a say in the resolution of the offence, and also makes offenders face the consequences of their actions.

This activity supports the criminal justice system’s commitment to increase awareness of restorative justice and enable more victims to access a high quality service.

More details will be made available in October, however if you’d like any more information please email: joanna.higgins@justice.gsi.gov.uk

7. Scrap metal dealers legislation comes into effect

The Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 will commence on 1 October, giving local authorities a vital role in tightening the net around thieves and rogue metal dealers. The Act significantly improves the regulation on the industry by supporting legitimate operators and promoting good practice, while also providing robust powers to tackle those who break the law.

The Commencement Order was made on 6 August and sets out the transitional arrangements and when each provision within the Act comes into force.

The Home Office has issued guidance to local authorities on how to set scrap metal dealer licence fees.

The Home Office has worked closely with the Local Government Association, British Transport Police and the British Metals Recycling Association (the industry’s trade association) to raise awareness of the Act and guidance has been issued to ensure that interested parties are informed of their responsibilities under it.

8. Legislation following from the government’s response to the Alcohol Strategy consultation

The government is introducing legislation to bring forward plans which were announced in July in the Alcohol Strategy consultation response. These include:

• banning the sale of alcohol below the level duty plus value added tax (‘VAT’);
• reviewing the mandatory licensing conditions to make them more effective and ensure they are consistently implemented; and
• introducing a brand new licensing authorisation to benefit ancillary and community sellers of alcohol.

Several other measures will also be introduced to free up responsible businesses from unnecessary red tape.

9. The late night levy and early morning restriction orders (EMROs)

The government has recently amended the Functions and Responsibilities regulations, which set out the local government decision making processes to cover the late night levy and EMROs. This move simply clarifies the position currently stated in guidance. The new regulations will come into force on 1 October.

10. Personal alcohol licences consultation

Earlier this month, the government launched a consultation seeking partners’ views on introducing targeted, local alternatives to personal alcohol licences. You can read the consultation document and online survey.

The proposal aims to reduce bureaucracy for responsible businesses while maintaining safeguards against crime and disorder where appropriate. We welcome responses from all interested partners and the consultation will remain open until 7 November.

11. Speeches

Home Secretary’s speech at the Police Superintendents’ conference Policing Minister Damian Green’s speech at the Police Superintendents’ conference Policing Minister Damian Green’s speech at the ACPO excellence in policing conference