-
Agenda item
Evidence Gathering (Wardens/Police)
Minutes:
The group discussed the merits of intelligence sharing and gathering of evidence in order to bring subjects to prosecution if necessary.
John Bownas is of the view that the teams should capture and share more evidence with each other (council CCTV, DISC and Police intelligence). He would appreciate perhaps some formal reports from the CCTV control room if possible. John offered to give any of this group access to the Love Hastings DISC system and offered a member of his staff as a volunteer for the Police or as a CCTV checker. Paul advised that council CCTV won’t always give a panoramic view, they are moveable cameras and won’t always capture “the moment”. Paul suggested shop staff could use body cameras similar to those used by the Wardens team. Paul went on to advise that although there is occasional decent detailed footage available (generally in car parks) the Wardens do not always witness ASB on their routine patrols; he understands that most of this adverse activity occurs at night when the patrols are performing locking up duties (e.g. at Multi Storey Car Park or Carlisle Parade Underground Car Park).
It was considered that the shops suffering repeated theft should instal/employ their own CCTV and security measures. John Bownas went on to explain that more often than not, if persons are caught and the goods recovered, they were allowed to leave. This is due to the time taken for Police response, and subsequent paperwork etc. Noted that only Marks & Spencer plc prosecute shoplifters.
Regarding regular shop-lifting offenders (see point 2) shops display images of these persons but it would be helpful if council CCTV could also share the most up to date image. Paul and Chris will look into this as they are currently undertaking a review of information/data sharing. Action Paul Cosson/Christine Barkshire Jones.
Surveillance was discussed but any operation would be subject of agreement by a magistrates court and careful thought would need to be given to RIPA. Paul advised that although his team produce discs from CCTV footage this is in effect Police software and they have primacy over the system. The council is part of the Sussex CCTV Partnership.
It was generally thought that local reconnaissance would be preferable and more effective in providing an intel package of evidence. Mike considered that it would be preferable to look at individual cases and deal with those.
Aidan commented that if for example a person smoked a ‘spliff’ in public or injected heroin in public, once that substance has been ingested no evidence remains. Therefore is the Wardens witnessed that, a formal witness statement for the Police would help.
Again the need to co-ordinate Police/Wardens activities for maximum impact was acknowledged. Mike asked if more information and joint actions could be gained from the Police briefings that the Wardens attend i.e. which team will tackle which person/area. Aidan confirmed yes that would be a way forward. Chris enquired about a Police spreadsheet which contains ASB information on individuals. Paul replied that he maintains this and share it with the Police.
It was agreed that CCTV/other evidence where possible, would be forwarded to the Police and our Wardens would be instructed to that end. Action Paul Cosson
-
My council
Contact
Got a question about democratic services?
Content
The content on this page is the responsibility of our Democratic Services team.