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AGENDA ITEM ..........................................

EPA/187/03

meeting Police Authority

date 15 September 2003

______________________________________________________________________ CHIEF CONSTABLE’S REPORT Report by the Chief Constable The Chief Constable’s Report to the Police Authority covering the review of performance and other items of interest is annexed. The Chief Constable will amplify the report orally.

____________

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Meeting of the Essex Police Authority 15 September 2003 Agenda Item No. 6

Chief Constable’s Report to the Police Authority

For the period 1st April 2003 to 30th June 2003

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Contents

Page

1. Introduction 2

2. Matters of interest 2

3. Community Support Officers 4

4. Review of progress against the Policing Plan 5

Objectives Summary Page 6

Force Objective 1: Crime Detection Force Objective 2 Crime Reduction Force Objective 5 Road Traffic Force Objective 6 Brought to Justice Force Objective 7 Response to the Public Force Objective 8 Human Resources Force Objective 9 Drugs Force Objective 10 Visibility and Accessibility

Satisfaction surveys (Objective 3): Violent crime Other Burglary Dwelling burglary Vehicle crime Criminal damage Response to emergencies Non-999 calls People involved in Road Traffic Collisions

Reported on within Each relevant objective

6. Crime figures 24

7. Assaults on Police and Support Staff 24

8. Changes to Senior Police Staff 26

9. Force Strength 26

10. Recruiting 26

11. Awards and Commendations 26

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1. Introduction I present my report covering the review of the force’s performance against the first quarter (1st April 2003 to 30th June 2003) of the year 1st April 2003 to 31st March 2004.

2. Matters of Interest

BILLINGSLEY MURDER Charlie BILLINGSLEY’s body was found by police in an alleyway off Calcutta Road, Tilbury about 11.30pm on 3 June 2002, he had been celebrating his birthday with friends. The investigation resulted in Dean GIRLING and Tony MOORE being arrested, charged with murder and remanded in custody. The trial took place between April and June 2003. As a result of the jury not reaching a verdict a retrial is provisionally scheduled for January 2004.

MURDER (OPERATION PERSHING) The body of Deborah CARNE was found in burning bushes in Dyne’s Hall Road, Great

Maplestead by local passers-by on 28 July 2002. A Post Mortem revealed she had died of asphyxiation. On 1st August 2002, Steven WOOD, Emma LAST and Kerry BAUER were charged with the murder of Deborah CARNE. A third female, Nicole HOLLINSHEAD, was charged with assisting an offender and murder. The trial commenced on 16 June but was stopped in July due to legal technicalities. A retrial is scheduled for February 2004.

THAIN MURDER

On 13 August 2002, Frank THAIN, aged 73, was violently assaulted and robbed beside a seaside shelter at Marine Parade, Southend-on-Sea. He died from multiple injuries to his upper body and face. Michael Andrew JAMES, aged 36, was arrested the same day and charged with murder. At his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on 26 June 2003 JAMES was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

OPERATION TELFORD (ATTEMPTED RAPE) On 10 October 2002, a 19 year old woman went out for the evening in Colchester town centre. On her walk home, she was approached by a man, who subjected her to a serious sexual assault. In February 2003, this offence was linked to another through DNA analysis. Following a mass DNA screen, Paul Anthony KING, aged 37, from Ongar has been arrested and charged with these two and other offences and remanded in custody. A Plea and Direction hearing is scheduled for August 2003. DAVIES MURDER On 29 October 2002, a domestic argument occurred between partners at an address at North Road, Purfleet which resulted in the death of Gillian DAVIES. Barry Charles OXBORROW was subsequently arrested and charged with murder and is now remanded in custody awaiting trial. The trial date is still awaited.

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NAPTHINE MURDER On 2 November 2002, Police attended an address in Harlow and found Sarah NAPTHINE to have suffered fatal injuries. Her former partner Mokhkan FERJANI was arrested and charged with ther murder. The trial is set for November 2003. ZULEWSKI MURDER (GW) During the early hours of 27th November 2002 Adam ZULEWSKI, aged 19, was assaulted outside the Chicago Rock Café in Braintree. He was admitted to Broomfield Hospital and died later as a result of his injuries. The investigation led to a man called Lee HARVEY being charged with murder. He is currently remanded in custody, the trial is set for November 2003. POPPY MURDER On 25 December 2002, Police were called to Lymington Avenue, Southend after concerns for the welfare of Jayne POPPY. Officers entered the premises by force and found Jayne dead from head injuries in a bedroom. Gary ROBERTS was arrested and later charged with murder. He is remanded to a Psychiatric Unit. The trial is set for December 2003 at Chelmsford Crown Court. HAND MURDER In the early hours of 23 January 2003, Foot Patrol Officers saw Derek FIELDS walking out of a house backwards covered in blood. The officers detained him, entered the address and found the body of Mr Pascal HAND. Derek FIELDS was subsequently charged with murder and is remanded in custody the Plea and Directions hearing set for September 2003 and subsequent trial. BRINKLEY MURDER During the evening of Sunday 2 February 2003, Beverley BRINKLEY, aged 35, was assaulted following an argument outside a flat in Harlow sustaining serious head injuries. On 6 February 2003, Beverley BRINKLEY died from her injuries at Addenbrookes Hospital. Five people were arrested but have since been released. The investigation continues. QUIN MURDER On 9 February 2003, Cassie QUIN, aged 82, was found murdered at her home in Westbury Drive, Brentwood. The investigation Team arrested a local Taxi Driver David COLLIER who has been charged with the murder. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court in July 2003 when the trial was set for May 2004. NCUBE MURDER On 24 March 2003, Bedna NCUBE had an argument with his wife, Paulina in Balmoral Road, Westcliff, assaulting her with an axe. He was arrested and later charged with her murder. The Plea and Direction hearing is set for September 2003.

ONLEY MURDER

On Saturday 31 May Police attended Southend General Hospital where 18 month old Ryan ONLEY had been pronounced dead on arrival. The child’s mother Hayley

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ONLEY aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of murder. The investigation established that the cause of death was one of persistent serious neglect. Hayley ONLEY was charged with murder and is remanded in custody awaiting trial scheduled for October 2003.

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3. Community Support Officers

Essex Police continue to utilise opportunities under the Government police reforms to extend the wider policing family within the County in a measured and incremental way.

In Harlow, the initial pilot of 10 Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) (9 full time, 2 part time) to support the policing in Waltham Abbey and Loughton is proving a success so far. The public response has been very positive, and the deployment of these staff is providing additional reassurance to the communities in which they work. The pilot is demonstrating an excellent return of intelligence and Home Office research indicates that 65% of the PCSO time is spent out on patrol.

Monitoring of the pilot has provided a solid foundation on which to base the implementation of Phase 2 of the PCSOs. Some minor changes to uniform and operating practices will be contained within phase two.

We are still in the process of recruiting staff to fill the 80 new PCSO posts across the County. The initial advertising campaign resulted in 408 application packs being sent out, and 309 being downloaded from the internet.

From these, 168 were returned resulting in 105 individuals being short listed for interview. 63 of those candidates are anticipated to commence their training on 6th October.

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4. Review of progress against the Policing Plan

Summary

The Essex Policing Plan for 2003/2004 outlines a total of 9 main Force Objectives. The 9, with their respective parts, total 24 identifiable areas. One of these Force Objectives relates to surveys to examine public satisfaction in 8 areas, in respect of activities towards other main Force Objectives. These surveys are carried out on a quarterly basis, and are reported upon in the text for each related objective within this report.

At 30th June 2003: • On 8 objectives (answering non-emergency calls, police officer sickness and support

staff sickness reduction Burglary dwelling detection rate, violent crime detection rate, racially motivated crime detection rate, drug arrest referrals and Charges for Class A drug supply) our performance so far this financial year has improved.

• On 7 objectives (vehicle crime detection rate, burglary dwelling offences, vehicle crime

offences, criminal damage offences, Road Traffic Collisions involving death or serious injury, emergency response incidents attended and number of offences brought to justice) performance has not yet improved on last year.

• On 1 (new) objective (Persistent Offenders brought to justice) no data is available on

which to compare our performance. Further details of performance against our objectives are given in the following pages.

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SUMMARY PAGE

FORCE OBJECTIVES 2003/2004 ROLLING YEAR

TARGET JUNE 2002 JUNE 2003

FORCE OBJECTIVE 1 Crime detection Burglary dwelling detection rate 20% 16% 19% Vehicle crime detection rate 13% 12% 11% Violent crime detection rate 72% 68% 69% Racially aggravated crimes detection rate 43% 40% 41% FORCE OBJECTIVE 2 Crime reduction Burglary dwelling offences 6609 6167 7046 Vehicle crime offences 20918 20525 21553 Criminal damage offences 24999 26112 30548 FORCE OBJECTIVE 3 Satisfaction with service Year to Dec. 2002 Year to Mar. 2003

Victims of burglary of peoples homes 88% 85% 84% Victims of other burglary 74% 71% 72% Victims of vehicle crime 71% 66% 65% Victims of criminal damage 74% 72% 72% Victims of violent crime 76% 67% 67% Response to emergencies (999 callers) 76% 63% 71% Non-999 callers 78% 71% 83% People involved in road traffic collisions 86% 82% 81% ROLLING YEAR

TARGET JUNE 2002 JUNE 2003

FORCE OBJECTIVE 5 Road traffic Road traffic collisions involving death or serious injury

1077 1158 1160

FORCE OBJECTIVE 6 Brought to justice Number of offences brought to justice 25008 23759 22593 Number of persistent offender offences brought to justice

2270 No data No data

FORCE OBJECTIVE 7 Response to the public % non-emergency calls answered within standard 88% 83% 84%

Emergency response incidents attended within standard

86% 84% 83%

FORCE OBJECTIVE 8 Human resources Working days lost through sickness per police officer

10 11 9

Working days lost through sickness per member of support staff

10 13 10

FORCE OBJECTIVE 9 Drugs Number of offenders referred by drugs arrest referral workers

626 604 No data

Number of offenders charged, reported for summons or cautioned for supply offences in respect of class A drugs

317 244 257

ROLLING YEAR figures are for the 12 months up to the end of the month.

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Force Objective 1 Crime detection We will have increased our detection rate for crime by increasing the detection rates for: i) Burglaries of people’s homes from 17% to 20%

The detection rate for burglary of people’s homes has remained stable during the first quarter of 2003, except for a positive rise in performance during the month of May. This was due to Operation Relentless 4, which on this occasion specifically focused on offences of burglary of people’s homes, in line with the Essex Police Control strategy. This operation focused its activity between the 1st to the 24th of May, culminating in three distinct phases; (i) Focused activity in the form of high visibility policing to re-assure the public and maximising force-wide collection of data to enable detailed analysis for the next phase, (ii) A pro-active enforcement phase and finally, (iii) A further phase of public reassurance, culminating in a combination of high visibility policing, leaflet drops and ongoing media campaigns. All Territorial Divisions participated in this force wide event, with additional support coming from Headquarters Support Staff and Police Officers, along with members of the Special Constabulary. In addition other key departments played a vital role in this initiative, including Media & Public Relations, Scientific Support and Crime Division, all contributing to maximise the operational impact. The results for May showed a total of 77 arrests were made and 109 detections for burglary of people’s homes were recorded. Chelmsford, Colchester, Rayleigh, Harlow and Thurrock Divisions showed the most significant success in performance, during the event as they moved towards their upper control limits. The detection rate during the first quarter has consistently kept pace with the increase in the number of burglary offences recorded.

FORCE Domestic burglary detection rates (%)

27.6

3.0

15.3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35Ap

r-01

Jun-

01

Aug

-01

Oct

-01

Dec

-01

Feb-

02

Apr

-02

Jun-

02

Aug

-02

Oct

-02

Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr

-03

Jun-

03

Aug

-03

Oct

-03

Dec

-03

Feb-

04

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During this first quarter, the total number of offences detected totalled 283 offences, compared with 204 offences detected during the same period last year, an improvement in performance of some 79 offences. The Force is aware that detecting crime remains a priority and efforts will continue to focus attention and resources in this area.

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ii) Vehicle crime from 11% to 13%

The vehicle crime detection rate (which includes all categories of vehicle related crime) remained stable during April and May, but showed an upturn in performance during June.

This improved performance was mainly due to the significant success of

Braintree and Colchester Divisions. Here there were a number of key arrests of persistent offenders who were responsible for both burglary and vehicle crime offences. Colchester Division had one notable arrest of an offender who had never come to notice before, who admitted a substantial offending history resulting in a large number of vehicle crime offences being detected.

The number of detected Theft of Motor vehicle offences has risen by some

10% during the first quarter, when compared with the same period last year. This positive impact on this category of crime continues to demonstrate the success of maximising the forensic investigation and detection opportunities provided by the Abandon Vehicle Recovery Scheme, which is directly attributable for the recovery of about 740 vehicles per month around the county.

This early recovery of stolen vehicles provides the best opportunity for

detection and prevents the retaking of those cars by offenders.

Force - Vehicle crime detection rate (%)

15.7

4.3

10.0

2468

10121416182022

Apr-

01

Jun-

01

Aug-

01

Oct

-01

Dec

-01

Feb-

02

Apr-

02

Jun-

02

Aug-

02

Oct

-02

Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr-

03

Jun-

03

Aug-

03

Oct

-03

Dec

-03

Feb-

04

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Colchester and Basildon Divisions both showed their performance to be better than their set targets, both on rolling and projected year figures.

Overall in this category performance is showing signs of an upturn moving positively towards the target.

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iii) Violent crime from 66% to 72%

The detection rate for violent crime offences has remained stable within the upper and lower control limits, moving around the average marker. ‘Violent Crime’ covers a wide range of offences from serious offences (murder, rape, robbery, GBH with intent and GBH ), where the numbers of offences are lower (4394 reported offences for the 1st quarter, such offences equated to 2.7 offences per 1000 of the population) compared with other more prevalent offences (common assault, harassment and offences against the person), where the numbers of those offences are far greater (9350 reported offences for the 1st quarter equating to 5.8 offences per 1000 population).

The overall number of detections has increased from 2966 to a total of 4369 offences (an increase of 1403 detected offences), when compared with the first quarter of 2002. This rise in productivity continues in light of increased numbers of offences being reported and staff productivity continues to be maintained, although still below target.

Chelmsford, Tendring, Colchester and Stansted Divisions have shown an upturn in performance, towards and or above their own set divisional targets during the months of May and June. Essex is currently in second place within our family of forces and the overall performance has improved compared with the same period last year.

FORCE Violent crime detection rates (%)

84.8

49.5

67.1

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Apr

-01

Jun-

01

Aug

-01

Oct

-01

Dec-

01

Feb-

02

Apr

-02

Jun-

02

Aug-

02

Oct

-02

Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr

-03

Jun-

03

Aug

-03

Oct

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Dec

-03

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04

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iv) Racially Aggravated crime from 36% to 43%

This target makes its first appearance within the force objectives report. Initially the target set for the year 2003/04 is 43%. For the period April 2003 to June 2003, the cumulative figure is that 39.4% of racially aggravated crimes were detected during the first quarter.

Following a review, the force seeks to restructure, as of the 1st September, the Equality of Service and Race Relations portfolios within the forces Corporate Support Department with a view to improving performance. These portfolios cut across every area of the force in terms of the external service delivery. Corporate Support is seen as the only department with a cross cutting capability to champion improved performance in this area.

Thurrock, Southend and Tendring Divisions show their rolling year performance to be above their divisional targets after the first three months. Thurrock, Rayleigh and Braintree Divisions have shown a marked improvement over the first quarter, moving closer towards their individually set targets, with Thurrock exceeding their target.

Essex Police considers crimes of this nature to be a priority and with relatively

low numbers involved, focusing efforts on performance on these types of hate crimes, should show signs of improvement.

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Force Objective 2 Crime reduction i) We will have reduced the number of burglaries of people’s homes from 7,168 to 6,609.

The number of offences in this category have decreased when compared with the first quarter in 2002, some by 100 offences (a total of 5% reduction in the numbers recorded). The number of offences of Burglary of people’s homes has statistically remained stable since the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002, where the change in process increase the number of reported offences in this category. Since April 2002 there have been fluctuations within the upper and lower control limits, with figures reaching the upper control limit in December 2002. The data has shown a steady decline since the beginning of the New Year until the month of June. The force continues to monitor and analyse the number of offences recorded, responding through local Divisional Tasking and Coordinating Groups where necessary. Current analysis shows a general rise in the number of artifice burglary offences around the force during the months of May and June. This is currently subject of Divisional Tasking where the problems persist, although the numbers involved are relatively small (some 116 offences for the 1st Quarter across the force). Southend Division, although suffering some increase in the number of offences, continues to perform close to their target. Essex compared with family forces are currently ranked 2nd best for number of burglaries per 1000 dwellings.

FORCE Domestic burglary offences

700

477

588

250300350400450500550600650700750

Apr

-01

Jun-

01

Aug

-01

Oct

-01

Dec

-01

Feb-

02

Apr

-02

Jun-

02

Aug

-02

Oct

-02

Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr

-03

Jun-

03

Aug

-03

Oct

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Dec

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Feb-

04

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ii) We will have reduced the number of vehicle crimes from 21,157 to 20,918

The numbers of recorded vehicle crimes have consistently continued on a downward trend since November 2002. Since April the number of offences have continued to shown a slow downturn in the number of recorded offences across the force. Stansted, Colchester, Tendring, Southend and Harlow Divisions have all performed better than their targets. Basildon Division has continued to tackle these offences at the tactical level through effective tasking and a number of successful arrests over a period of some months, almost reaching their lower control limit in June. Chelmsford have particularly suffered from a team of offenders responsible for theft from motor vehicles in car parks, where in excess of a dozen offences are committed on any given occasion, inflating the number of offences over a short period of time. A full problem profile has been completed and a number of important arrests have been made, resulting in two offenders being remanded into custody and other offenders being identified from the London and Southend areas. Similarly Rayleigh division has suffered from a group of youngsters who have been responsible for a spate of theft from motor vehicle offences, where they have been removing vehicle badges. A number of individuals have been arrested and the investigation is currently ongoing. This should bring the number of offences in this category under control for Rayleigh division and positively affect performance adjacent divisions. Essex compared with family forces are ranked 3rd best for the number of vehicle crimes per 1000 population.

FORCE Vehicle crime offences

2150

1427

1788

1100

1300

1500

1700

1900

2100

2300

Apr

-01

Jun-

01

Aug

-01

Oct

-01

Dec

-01

Feb-

02

Apr

-02

Jun-

02

Aug

-02

Oct

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Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr

-03

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03

Aug

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Oct

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Dec

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04

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iii) We will have reduced the number of offences of criminal damage from 27,321 to 24,999.

Following a steady rise above the upper control limit in March and April, the number of criminal damage offences have dropped significantly to the average marker in May and June. The number recorded offences continue to remain above the set target. Criminal damage offences for all divisions remain over target. Detailed analysis and hot spot targeting through the weekly Divisional Tasking and coordinating Groups continues. The most seriously affected divisions; Tendring, Colchester, Thurrock, Rayleigh and to a lesser extent Chelmsford, Southend and Harlow, have show an improvement in their performance, where there have been significant downturns in the number of offences recorded. Stansted airport is the only division that continues to perform better than their set target. It was always anticipated that this would be a difficult offence to reduce but the introduction of the NCRS has, hopefully, seen the rise to the figures shown in April 2003 and the more recent downward trend is likely to reflect the concerted partnership effort to impact on this anti-social offence.

FORCE Criminal damage offences

3113

2103

2608

1600180020002200240026002800

300032003400

Apr

-01

Jun-

01

Aug

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Oct

-01

Dec

-01

Feb-

02

Apr

-02

Jun-

02

Aug-

02

Oct

-02

Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr-0

3

Jun-

03

Aug

-03

Oct

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Dec

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Feb-

04

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Force Objective 3 Satisfaction with service.

To meet the requirements around the Force Objectives and targets, an ongoing programme of survey’s seeks to examining the quality of our service delivery.

The survey process is now well established within Essex Police and now provides a clear baseline of our performance. Emerging trends from these surveys provide meaningful information on the quality of our service delivery, which are then reported directly to Territorial Divisions, right down to the Community Policing Team Level. This type of management information enables local managers to actively address local service delivery issues.

We will have increased the level of satisfaction with police action for:

Victims of domestic burglary from 85% to 88%. Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 83.5% Victims of other burglary from 71% to 74%. Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 72.0% Victims of vehicle crime from 66% to 71%. Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 65.2% Victims of criminal damage from 72% to 74%. Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 72.1% Victims of violent crime from 67% to 76%. Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 67.1% Response to emergencies (999 callers) from 63% to 76%. Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 70.9% Response to non-999 callers from 71% to 78%.

Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 82.7% People involved in road traffic collisions from 82% to 86%. Level of overall satisfaction year to March 2003 – 81.1%

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Force Objective 4 Public Reassurance We will have reduced the percentage of people with high levels of worry about Burglary, Vehicle crime, Violent crime and Perceived disorder.

British crime Survey results for the force 2000/1 to 2002/03: The percentage of respondents with high levels of worry around offences of :-

Essex 2000/0

1 2001/0

2 2002/0

3 England &

Wales Average (%)

Family Average(%)

Burglary 12% 11% 11% 15% 12% Car crime 14% 12% 11% 17% 15% Violent crime 14% 14% 15% 21% 17% Perceived disorder 16% 16% 16% 22% 19%

As previously reported, the British Crime Survey (BCS) has established a baseline for reassurance in Essex in relation to core crime areas.

Essex compared with their family average and national average figures are currently performing better in all categories.

The Home Office continues to develop performance targets around reassurance, consulting with key stakeholders and developing guidance around these new targets. The challenge for the force will be to meet these new targets, once properly defined and implemented. The figures presented show no significant changes.

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Force Objective 5 Road traffic We will have reduced, in partnership with other agencies, the number of road traffic collisions involving death or serious injury from 1,169 to 1,077.

The level of road traffic collisions has been unstable over recent months twice exceeding the upper control limit, with about a monthly average of 80 collisions. Overall there is a slight upturn in the number of recorded collisions, but the projected end of year figure shows the force overall being close to target (within 10 road collisions). Tendring and Basildon Divisions remain well within target on the projected year targets. 255 killed and seriously injured collisions (KSIs) were recorded for the 1st quarter. Braintree, Chigwell and Chelmsford are currently all above their KSI target, but all other areas are within their current set targets. The number of

Force - Road traffic collisions

98

63

80

55

65

75

85

95

105

115

Apr

-01

Jun-

01

Aug

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Oct

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Dec

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Feb-

02

Apr

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Jun-

02

Aug

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03

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04

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motor cycle riders killed has seen a reduction compared with the same period last year, is down from 9 to 5 such incidents. During the first quarter there have been a number of road policing initiatives aimed at reducing and preventing the incidence of road traffic collisions and accidents; Operation Cerberus; This has targeted drivers attending cruises at Southend, Basildon and Thurrock, where tactics, such as covert and overt safety cameras, evidence gathering teams, vehicle examiner and prohibition officers were deployed. Results have shown several prosecutions and warnings under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act. This act enables officers to seize vehicles if a person offends having received a warning in the previous 12 months. Responsible Rider Campaign; This campaign continues in a similar vein as in previous years. The Mobile Support Division are now developing similar tactics to Operation Cerberus, to impact on motor cycle collisions around the county. Seat Belts; A programme of routine checks supported by local Council Road Safety Departments are now occurring around the force. Disposal of offences detected result either in formal prosecution, fixed penalty ticket, police warning or warnings given by County Council Road Safety Officers. Supporting the Vehicle Inspectorate; Ongoing police activity with the Vehicle Inspectorate continues to focus on passenger carrying vehicles, local and national goods vehicles, targeting the abuse of ‘driver-hour’ offences.

Speed Campaigns; In conjunction with ECC Road Safety Department, there have been a number of campaigns involving potential dangers around drivers caught speeding outside schools. Future developments will shortly include the ‘Forward Facing’ trial, where the Essex Camera Enforcement partnership are the first in the country to lead in developing a forwarded facing camera system, providing added information around the identity of drivers of motor vehicles, which is increasing becoming a problem. Initially there will be 6 trial sites in the County. The system will photograph a vehicles rear registration number and speed, causing a secondary camera in front to be activated providing a clear image of the driver.

This technology will assist registered keepers to identify the driver in cases where the identity of the driver is disputed. Additional benefits include a safe guard to the public preventing proceedings where other unscrupulous motorists have falsely displayed number plates and this technology will be able to identify the driver of stolen motor vehicles, or those vehicles that are used for criminal activity and pass through a camera site in excess of the speed limit.

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Force Objective 6 Numbers of Offences Brought to Justice.

The Government has set new targets nationally to bring 1.2million offences to justice by 2005/06. These targets have been distilled into local targets for each police area. This work is being co-ordinated under the auspices of a ‘Narrowing the Justice Gap’ project, overseen by the Local Criminal Justice Board.

The Essex Board have produced an action plan that will focus on key issues around; improving pro-active policing; improve the quality of investigations; enhancement of charge and case preparation; improving timeliness and quality of files; reviewing information to witnesses; increasing witness satisfaction and reducing witness waiting times. Essex Police have now a project manager in place and are introducing a number of information technology solutions to enable the monitoring of persistent offenders (PO’s) and persistent young offenders (PYO’s), which includes links to the intelligence system. This provides important information for divisions who are able to locally nominate individuals that fall into the categories of PYO’s and PO’s. It also provides our partner agencies (CPS, courts etc..) with important information, aimed at securing improvements under the Narrowing of the Justice Gap project. In addition a Local Multi-Agency Action Team has now been established to secure positive outcomes, improve processes and ensure information sharing protocols are agreed and implemented.

We will have increased the number of offences that have been brought to justice from 23,817 to 25,008.

This objective examines the number of offences detected minus the number of detected no-prosecution offences and is only intended as wide ranging indicator, covering all offence categories. This is the first time this indicator has been part of the forces performance objectives.

For the period April 2003 to June 2003, 6,002 offences were brought to justice. Already within this new objective, there have been early signs of positive improvement, moving towards the set target. Although, based on 3 months figures the current projected year-end figure falls short of the target, but it is likely based on the improving performance that this target will be achieved. Rayleigh, Chelmsford and Tendring are currently all meeting their targets after the first quarter, with Harlow, Stansted, Southend and Basildon not far behind their respective targets.

We will have increased the number of persistent offender (PO) offences brought to justice from 2,162 to 2,270.

A persistent offender is someone who has been convicted of 6 or more recordable offences in the last year and other offenders identified as persistent on the basis of local intelligence. For the period April 2003 to June 2003, 337 persistent offender offences were brought to justice.

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This indicator is also the first time this has been part of the forces performance objectives and intended to show those who fit the criteria of persistent offender, causing the county of Essex the most problems around the high numbers of volume crime offences being recorded. It is early days for this target, which has been set around the criteria of the number of detections minus all detected no prosecution offences. This approach enables the force to manage performance at Basic Command Unit (BCU) level, by providing clear management information.

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Force Objective 7 Response to the public We will have improved our response to the public in the following areas: - a) The percentage of non-emergency calls answered within 30 seconds from 84% to 88%

Non-999 calls answered within standard have increased significantly over the first quarter to above the upper control limits during May and June, with the average performance reaching 88%, meeting the target set. This level of performance shows that six divisions are performing better than target, with three close to target and with the final division improving in their performance. The introduction of the Divisional Service Desks, to provide specific management and ownership of call handling. The provision of the new monitoring software in 2002, issues around system software set-up and recording parameters that ensure accurate and reliable recording of data have now been finally resolved. The effect of these changes can be seen starting in February of this year, where divisions have consistently shown improved performance. Service Desk Managers have reliable management information enabling them to be able to focus resources around demand, which is clearly having an impact. Three divisions Thurrock, Southend and Tendring are currently involved in a trial to manage performance in this area, which will be subject of evaluation in August and reports to the Police Authority in September. Early indications look very positive, as there has been an upturn in performance within those divisions. The additional resources (45 additional staff) provided for by the Police Authority specifically targeted at Call Handling and Service Desks are now being recruited throughout the force.

Force - Phone calls (non-999) % answered within standard

87.7

79.9

83.8

79.0

81.0

83.0

85.0

87.0

89.0

91.0

Apr

-01

Jun-

01

Aug

-01

Oct

-01

Dec

-01

Feb-

02

Apr

-02

Jun-

02

Aug-

02

Oct

-02

Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr-0

3

Jun-

03

Aug

-03

Oct

-03

Dec

-03

Feb-

04

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b) The percentage of emergency response incidents attended within published standards, 10 minutes (urban) and 20 minutes (rural) from 83% to 86%.

Over recent months the percentage of incidents attended within standard has tended to be above average marker and for June 2003 has exceeded the upper control limit, showing an upturn in performance. With the additional officers from the crime fighting fund and the numbers of police officers being recruited increasing towards the target (Police Officer actual budgeted strength = 98%), the net impact on the front line is now showing signs of improved service delivery. Divisions are now been able to examine reliable management information, enabling mangers to focus resources based on demand. As a direct result some divisions have adjusted their policing style to meet their particular policing demands in this area and have improved their performance.

FORCE - Emergency response % within standard

85.6

79.6

82.6

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

Apr-0

1

Jun-

01

Aug

-01

Oct

-01

Dec

-01

Feb-

02

Apr

-02

Jun-

02

Aug

-02

Oct

-02

Dec

-02

Feb-

03

Apr

-03

Jun-

03

Aug

-03

Oct

-03

Dec

-03

Feb-

04

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Force Objective 8 Human resources We will have:

(i) Reduced the amount of overtime worked by police officers by 5%.

(ii) Maintained the level of police officers by recruiting 300 officers.

(iii) Increased the proportion of police officers recruited from ethnic minorities to reflect the Essex demographic profile from 1.6% to 2.2%.

(iv) Maintained the number of medical retirements per 1,000 police officers below the Government’s

target of 6.5.

(v) Reduced the number of working days lost through sickness per police officer from 10.2 to 10.0 days and, per support staff member, from 10.7 to 10.0 days.

For the period April 2003 to June 2003:

i) The areas of greatest spend have been identified and the necessary representations have been made. Actions being taken to reduce overtime spending include; increasing awareness amongst those who authorise overtime; restrictions on the use of pay under spends from vacancies for overtime; overtime expenditure cap for all divisions; reductions in vacancies which will make overtime less necessary; improved overtime reporting; increased liaison between Divisional Command Teams and Finance and generating a culture of a willingness to manage overtime spend.

ii) The number of police officers recruited = 98 officers. iii) The proportion of police officers from ethnic minorities is currently 1.5%. iv) The number of medical retirements per 1,000 police officers is currently =

1.8 officers. v) The following numbers of working days that have been lost through

sickness;

Per police officer = 1.9 days. (Essex within our family of forces is currently top of the table in first place. The family of force average is currently running at 2.9 days)

Per member of support staff = 2.3 days. (Essex within our family of forces is currently third best, with the family average running at 2.9 days)

Following the success of the Health Management Framework, a recent evaluation of the scheme (introduced in August 2002) showed the spending of £310,000 on interventions for muscular skeletal and psychiatric conditions, saved some 6,529 working days, a saving of £648,000. The scheme will continue as an effective tool in dealing with on-duty related conditions.

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Force Objective 9 Drugs. i) We will have increased the number of offenders referred by drugs arrest referral workers from 569 to 626.

During the first three months a total of 145 referrals were made, 54 of whom have formally entered onto programmes. Based on the performance for the first quarter the projected year figure is 580 referrals. However, there is no data available from Chelmsford and Braintree areas (an issues that has since been resolved), which would provide a number of additional referrals, raising the projected year figure to nearer the target, if not over target. The referral scheme is managed by the local Drug Action Teams, who provide the performance information in this area.

ii) We will have increased the number of offenders charged, reported for summons or cautioned for supply offences in respect of class ‘A’ drugs from 303 to 317.

The targets set in this category were based on a successful performance last year and in some cases where divisions had exceptional performance the targets will be challenging. During the previous twelve months some divisions such as Colchester and Basildon, made a significant impact with a number of key arrests around the supply of class ‘A’ controlled drugs. These operations were very specific and intelligence led, removing some key suppliers in those divisions. In the shorter term there is a tendency to be a downturn in supply, groups become more conscious of police tactics and subsequently there tends to be a downturn in arrests following such operations. Chelmsford and Colchester are two such examples where successful operations have resulted in the decline of intelligence with regard to class ’A’ controlled drugs. For the period April 2003 to June 2003, 44 offenders were charged, reported for summons or cautioned for supply offences in respect of class ‘A’ drugs. Rayleigh Division on rolling year and projected year predictions have achieved their set targets, following Operation Southpaw. This operation identified one supplier where there were clear links to burglary and vehicle offences. During April and May a covert operation resulted in the arrest and charge of two suppliers. Rayleigh Division have now charged 13 offenders for offences in this category. Harlow Division on rolling year and projected year figures are currently meeting their set target in this category. Crack cocaine along with heroin are becoming a national problem and this is currently highlighted in the media and general public arena.

At the strategic level there is ongoing activity aimed at driving intelligence requirements to enable an effective response, both at force and divisional level. Divisions are actively examining the links between volume crime, violent crime and crack cocaine, with a view to tactically improving performance through detection and crime reduction tactics. This is in line with the Essex Crime and Public Reassurance Control Strategy, which determine the priorities for which divisions will receive priority for the allocation of central force resources. These are allocated to those divisions that have been determined will achieve the greatest impact of the overall force performance.

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Force Objective 10 Visibility and Accessibility

We will have increased the time spent by police on front line duties. (Awaiting guidance from the Home Office regarding front line police indicators). The Essex Policing Style bases its emphasis on a community-based problem solving approach built around Community Policing Teams. These teams aim to understand and respond to the needs of the community, provide a visible and accessible service, to work in partnership to deliver crime reduction and to respond to requests for assistance. Essex Police is committed to this approach, which is seen as a core function of all policing activity within the county of Essex. The force continues to move towards a more pro-active problem solving approach, ensuring the appropriate and realistic allocation of resources actively impacts on local policing problems. Essex Police is committed to seeking the support of all communities and partners within the county, providing clear long-term benefits in jointly tackling anti-social behaviour and criminality. This approach provides a sound foundation for the further development of community problem solving within Essex, aimed at investigating crime, gathering intelligence/information and ensuring community safety.

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6. All Crime Figures

Recorded offences Detection rate (%)

DIVISION 12 months to June 2002

12 months to June 2003

% Difference 12 months to June 2003

Braintree 9663 11,724 21% 28% Basildon 16550 19,900 20% 26% Chelmsford 11658 13,523 16% 30% Tendring 8721 10,954 26% 31% Colchester 11521 13,933 21% 35% Thurrock 16455 18,393 12% 21% Harlow 20789 23,975 15% 22% Southend 14082 16,916 20% 34% Rayleigh 7736 9,497 23% 29% Stansted 1409 1,807 28% 24% FORCE 118584 140,622 19% 28%

7. Assaults In the 12 months from the 1st July 2002 to 30th June 2003 there were 271 assaults on police officers (39 on female officers and 232 on male officers). These assaults resulted in sick leave totaling 569 working days lost. In the 12 months from the 1st July 2002 to 30th June 2003 there were 3 assaults on members of support staff 1 female and 2 males) resulting in no working days lost. During the quarter 1st April 2003 to 30th June 2003 there were a total of 97 assaults, 82 on male officers (including 1 Special Constable) and 15 on female officers (including 1 Special Constable), resulting in 105 working days lost. In this period there were no assaults on a support staff members.

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Table 1 – Police Officers

Period Male Female Total Working Days lost

1st April 2002 to

30th June 2002

67 10 77 103

1st April 2003 to

30th June 2003

82 (1 SC)

15 (1 SC)

97 105

12 months to 30th June 2002

262 46 308 457

12 months to 30th June 2003

232 39 271 569

Table 2 – Support Staff

Period Male Female Total Working Days Lost

1st April 2002 to

30th June 2002

0 0 0 0

1st April 2003 to

30th June 2003

0 0 0 0

12 months to 30th June 2002

5 2 7 29

12 months to 30th June 2003

2 1 3 0

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8. Changes to Senior Police Staff No changes have taken place during this quarter 9. Force Strength I produce below a table detailing the resources of the force for the three years as at 30th June 2003. The table shows the ‘budgeted strength’ and the ‘actual strength’ for each category. All figures are ‘full-time equivalents’ (FTE) for police officers and support staff.

Strength June 2001 June 2002 June 2003

Police Officers

Budgeted

2963 3068 3165

Actual

2944 2986 3028

Support Staff

Budgeted

1730 1758 1877

Actual

1552 1643 1776

Police & Support Staff

Total

Budgeted

4693 4826 5042

Actual

4496 4629 4804

10. Recruiting We are continuing to recruit new officers at pleasing levels at an average rate of around 20 per month. The last quarter saw another 58 officers joining Essex Police split between 3 intakes. 11. Awards and Commendations During the period of 1st April 2003 to 30th June 2003, the award of the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal was not promulgated or presented to any Essex

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Officers, nor was the Support Staff Long Service Award. There will be presentations and awards during the next quarter. During the same period 24 Chief Constable's Commendations were awarded, and 24 were presented formally, and 45 letters of congratulation were sent to police officers and support staff.