Issue - meetings

The Executive Director outlined proposals for a new Enhanced Policing Model in the borough, in line with the Administration’s Manifesto Commitments, to increase the size of the current team from 36 to 44 officers, a 22% increase in resourcing.  The additional officers will boost the ward level policing, tackle social exclusion and promote social inclusion within the Borough.

Councillor Cartwright was pleased that the Administration had found £4 million through section 106 funds to finance this initiative.  This was a key achievement for the Administration within its 1st 6 months in office.  There had been a lot of positive comments on the Internet about the new policy.

In response to a question, the Leader stated that the Crime Prevention Design Officer post would be retained.  He noted that the Administration was committed to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the borough through a new, expanded model of Enhanced Policing.  This will put additional police resources into ward level policing across Hammersmith and Fulham.

Councillor Fennimore noted that the Town Centre teams would still be in place while additional resources will target exclusion caused by homelessness, involvement in anti-social behaviour or youth violence. 

1.1.        That the current contract between H&F and  MOPAC for the purchase of additional policing resources (36 officers) be extended until 31March 2015.  (The budget for 2014/15 was set on the assumption that the existing contract would be extended to March 2015, and s106 funds have been identified as sources. The £642,000 cost of the extension will therefore be met from existing approved budgets, subject to formal allocation of S106 funds.)

1.2.        That approval be given to a new three year Enhanced Policing Model for the borough, which increases the Council funded police resources by 22%, from 36 to 44 officers (from 1st April 2015 to 31st March 2018), at a cost of £4,735k for the three year contract.  (A three year period is to suit MOPAC planning. No details are available yet for costs for 2018/9 but the Cabinet is recommended to note the possible requirement for an additional £1,630k if the contract were extended for a fourth year).

1.3.        To note the possible requirement for an additional £1,630k of funding if the contract were extended for a fourth year. 

1.4.        To note that it is probable that all costs can be met from S106 agreements, but where s106 funds are being relied upon which are not yet in the possession of the Council they will initially be funded from Council Reserves, creating a reserve specifically for policing, which will be reimbursed if and when those s106 funds are received.

1.5.        That approval be given to a new model of local policing whereby the local authority supplements the Local Policing Model by increasing the number of named ward officers and introduces a social inclusion role for them.