Minutes:
Officers had received a request from Dr Denise Taylor to read two questions out to the Panel, as she was unable to attend the meeting in person. The questions were as follows:
1) What measures are the Police & Crime Panel taking to ensure that the independent investigation into the policing of the Warwickshire Hunt is truly impartial, given the documented affiliations of the PCC with pro-hunting organisations? Specifically, how will the panel address concerns about conflicts of interest and ensure that the findings are transparent, evidence-based, and fully shared with the public?
2) The Warwickshire Hunt continues to operate several times a week, engaging in illegal activities such as breaches of the Hunting Act, dangerous road use, and trespass. What actions are the panel taking to hold the PCC accountable for ensuring that the acting Chief Constable enforces the law effectively? How will the panel ensure that Warwickshire Police prioritise public safety and lawful policing of the hunt, and what measurable improvements will the public see as a result?
In response to Question 1, the Chair advised that in relation to the Independent Review, the Panel had no jurisdiction to interfere in the process. It had the Commissioner’s decision to instruct a review and the Panel were not aware of any evidence that would show that the review was not being handled independently. Whilst the review may have finished, no findings had been reported. He noted that the Panel may hear more about where the final report was from the Commissioner in his update.
In response to Question 2, the Chair felt that the questions were very similar to those raised back in June 2024 by Dr Taylor and related to operational policing. He reminded Members that operational matters did not fall within the Panel’s remit and the Panel had no powers to instruct Warwickshire Police on how to allocate their resources or prioritise activities.
For clarification the Chair outlined the purpose of Police and Crime Panel, which was to challenge and support the Commissioner in the delivery of his duties. The Panel had a strategic role that included scrutinising the budget, the council tax precept, the police and crime plan and contributing to policy development.
The Chair then invited Ms Liz Pride, who was in attendance at the meeting to outline her questions. Ms Pride outlined her question as follows:
· What steps is the panel taking to ensure that the findings of the independent investigation, as well as the evidence reviewed and conclusions drawn, are made fully public? Given the history of complaints being dismissed or downplayed, how will the panel ensure that this investigation restores public confidence through genuine transparency and accountability?
In response, the Chair advised that the findings of the independent investigation would be made public but confirmation may be received from the Commissioner shortly as to when and how that would be done. In relation to the complaints referred to, these were dealt with on an individual basis and responded to, or referred on, as soon as possible. He explained that there was a process that had to be adhered to and where appropriate, the complaint would be considered fully, as members of the Sub-Group established last year may recall.
The Chair then asked Ms Pride if she had a follow up question, which she confirmed she did not. The Chair thanked her for attending and advised that she was welcome to stay for the remainder of the meeting if she wished.