Minutes:
Dr Denise Taylor was welcomed to the meeting and invited to put her question to the Panel and Commissioner.
Dr Taylor highlighted the importance of standards of police conduct, community safety and transparency, stating that in December 2022, Warwickshire Police had issued a Community Protection Notice (CPN) on the Warwickshire Hunt on the grounds of “anti-social use of the county road network” following concerns about road safety, trespassing, anti-social behaviour, and illegal use of quad bikes. This had followed a warning notice issued on 14 May 2022 which noted “unreasonable and dangerous use of the roads” by the Hunt.
Dr Taylor stated that the conditions of the CPN required Warwickshire Hunt to give advanced notice of its events with details of the times and locations of crossing points. The CPN had also specified that the Hunt inform the Rural Crime Team of how hounds would be controlled and to notify its members of their responsibilities around designated crossing points. She emphasised that it had been clearly stated that a breach of these conditions would amount to a criminal offence.
Dr Taylor stated that the CPN had since been withdrawn prior to a court appeal scheduled for 15 August 2023. She stated that this raised serious concerns, and the circumstances of the withdrawal of the CPN had not been transparently explained to the public. Since then, the media had reported that a privately agreed protocol was in place between the Force and Warwickshire Hunt seemingly in place of the withdrawn CPN. She stated that the confidential nature of this protocol had the effect of fuelling community distrust. She emphasised that, unlike the CPN, the protocol was not enforceable in law.
Dr Taylor asked that attention be given to making the protocol publicly available in the interests of community trust and safety. Additionally, she asked what actionable and enforceable steps would be taken by Warwickshire Police to ensure that the Hunt abided by road safety regulations and community protection guidelines in future.
Councillor Poole moved that the question be referred to the PCC. This was seconded by Councillor Jarvis and agreed unanimously by the Panel.
The Commissioner thanked Dr Taylor for her questions, stating that the nature of the PCC’s role meant that he was unable to become involved in operational matters – the activities of officers came under the direction and control of the Chief Constable. He advised that he had sought information from the Force to provide a response. He advised that Warwickshire Police had issued a public statement concerning arrangements for the Warwickshire Hunt. This could be viewed on the Force’s website. He advised that a CPN had been issued by the Force outlining road safety concerns. The Hunt had exercised its right to appeal. During this process, the Force had met with members of the Warwickshire Hunt and agreed a different approach, resulting in a protocol between Warwickshire Police and Hunt. This document had been classified as exempt from publication under Section 32 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
In respect of the actions to be taken by Warwickshire Police to ensure adherence by the Hunt to road safety regulations and community protection guidelines, the Commissioner advised that the Force had confirmed that it would continue to respond to calls to deal with any incidents that may arise. He emphasised that this was a civil matter – Warwickshire Hunt had accepted and understood community concerns relating to road safety and was keen to work with all parties to manage these concerns.
In response, Dr Taylor stated that the Hunt continued to be active several days a week, making use of public roads. There was no indication that the Hunt had made changes following agreement of the protocol. This meant that serious concerns relating to public safety remained unresolved.