One of the key roles as Police and Crime Commissioner is to hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public, and make sure that Derbyshire Constabulary deliver on the key strategic priorities included in the Police and Crime Plan 2021/2025.
The Performance Scrutiny Meetings are just one of the ways that the Chief Constable is held to account. It is an opportunity for the force to provide extensive evidence on their performance and plans for improvements where necessary on the key priorities. It is also an opportunity for the public to send in specific additional questions.
Below are the questions that were submitted, alongside the response to those questions from the Chief Constable.
The Agenda and Papers and Presentation submitted at the meeting are available to view.
Public Questions Submitted
Q1) Why are Derbyshire Constabulary ignoring ASB, Drug Dealing in Swanwick? Why is no action being taken and hasn’t for some considerable time? Resident of Swanwick.
Constabulary Response
We rely on issues within the local community being reported by members of the public in order for us to direct our ASB patrols. Looking at our data there have been no reports of ASB related to drug dealing in Swanwick in the last 3 months (July to September).
We would actively encourage members of the public to call in at the time that the ASB is occurring allowing us to respond accordingly, build a more accurate intelligence picture and to direct our ASB Patrols, working in conjunction with partners. The public can report ASB via 101 or online via the Derbyshire Constabulary website.
We are committed to working with partners to resolve community issues and dealing with offences, such as drug dealing, as we recognise the negative impact this type of crime has on local communities.
Q2) Why do the police totally ignore anti social behaviour by motor bikers and boy racers. Our life is blighted by the excessive noise from Matlock Bath and the A6 often into. the late evening of revving engines and exhaust popping. Sometimes. unable to hear the radio right next to us when in the garden .This has been going on ever since Covid lockdowns finished every fine day and evening but worse at weekends. Resident of Starkholmes.
Constabulary Response
The police do focus on the anti-social use of vehicles concentrating on that behaviour most likely to result in serious injury or death, known as the fatal four (Speeding, Using Mobile Phones, Not wearing a Seatbelt and Driving under the influence of Drink or Drugs).
Officers from across the Dales Safer Neighbourhood Teams regularly team up and carry out enforcement action in our known hotspots. We support our voluntary community speed watch teams by carrying out extra enforcement, including issuing tickets, to reinforce their work. We also have officers who have recently completed training in speed enforcement to support this area.
Where a vehicle is being driven or ridden dangerously, or committing another offence then officers will always check the vehicle for roadworthiness. The deliberate adaptation of a vehicle to create excessive noise, (or in some cases where excessive noise is produced as a result of a faulty silencer system), can be classed as anti-social behaviour and officers can and do use powers under S.59 Police Reform Act 2002 to seize such vehicles and prosecute offenders. Any vehicle found to be fitted with an illegal exhaust will be dealt with positively.
It should be noted that many vehicles being ridden/driven, especially in a group, will sound particularly loud, but it is not unlawful. The sheer volume of these vehicles on the roads in the Dales, combined with the topography, can exacerbate the impact of the noise. The solutions to this problem being much wider than police enforcement alone.
Derbyshire Dales SNT officers created a Problem Management Plan (PMP) in March 2022 to tackle an increase in calls for service relating to groups of cars or car meets gathering at Temple Car Park, and the Railway Station at Matlock, being antisocial be it revving engines or paying loud music etc. During the PMP, several police operations resulted in drivers being prosecuted for no insurance and speeding. Consideration was given to closing the Temple Car Park, but following consultation with the local authority this was not deemed an appropriate response. By working in partnership and through targeted police activity, calls for service relating to this issue reduced to the point where the PMP was closed in October 2022. Although we still receive some reports of antisocial behaviour, they are not at the level that warrants a specific PMP, though incidents continue to be monitored for any trends.
With regards to reports relating to motorcycle noise, between November 2022 to date, there have been 11 incidents relating to Matlock Bath, Cromford and Bonsall. Whilst the local SNT do have use of noise testing equipment, it is primarily used as an education tool. The equipment is not suitable for evidential use, to achieve which would require acoustic testing in a laboratory. However, exhausts which do not meet the British Standards or have been adapted or altered to make excessive noise would be dealt with under construction and use legislation.
Q3) How can the police deal with motor cross bikers on blind lane Bolsover. They race up and down at all hours of the day and are a noise nuisance and dangerous to pedestrians as well as children playing down there. Resident of Chesterfield.
Constabulary Response
Police and partners are working closely together to tackle the issues around nuisance motorbikes and car meets. This work is taking place at North East section, covering Bolsover, and some parts of Amber Valley section. A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been applied for by the local authority and was issued on the 27 September 2023, after consultation with the police, Police and Crime Commissioner and other relevant bodies who help tackle this type of behaviour. To find out how many have been secured all local authorities would be need to be asked to provide that information.
PSPOs are designed to stop individuals or groups committing ASB in a public place. They provide local authorities with a flexible power to put in place local restrictions to address a range of anti-social behaviour issues in public places and prevent future problems, providing a partnership approach to tackle issues specific to that area.
Bolsover CAN Rangers (Community Action Network), Police officers and PCSO’s can issue fixed penalty tickets and/or report for summons for offences being committed within the PSPO.
The details of the PSPO is communicated through our social media channels, local newsletters and through the local authority.
In addition to this we work closely with the police off road motorbike team launched earlier this year, under a problem management plan to maximise opportunities to identify offenders and prevent further incidents.
Q4) What are the police doing with keeping the regular drug dealing and antisocial drug users around our town . Personally I feel that it’s out of control here in Buxton. Resident of Buxton.
Constabulary Response
Project Unity is a multi-agency initiative launched in July this year to tackle drugs supply in Buxton, focusing in and around Fairfield Road. Project Unity follows the Home Office model of Clear, Hold, Build which seeks to tackle Serious Organised Crime (SOC) and support communities in building a strong foundation to deter and prevent SOC on their streets. We have a dedicated team at Buxton who are working daily on targeting those who supply drugs.
In relation to drug users in particular, Project Unity has a workstream looking at improving access to drug recovery services and support available from within the town, acknowledging the fact that police enforcement alone will not solve the problem.
In relation to the project so far, the ‘Clear’ phase is underway and anticipated to last until at least April 2024. Since commencement in July 2023 there have been more that 35 arrests, numerous charges for offences including Class A drugs supply, firearms offences, weapons offences amongst a wide plethora of others. We have identified three separate County Lines operating within Buxton – 2 of which have been closed with the other no longer operating as it was.
We have executed more than 10 warrants. Recovered various weapons including firearms, imitation firearms, a taser, a crossbow and other bladed articles. We have recovered quantities of Class A and B drugs including circa £1,000,000 worth of cannabis.
As part of this we have worked closely with GMP, BTP and other agencies. We’ve undertaken targeted adult and child safeguarding activities – including home visits and partnership support and a number of community engagement activities including leaflet drops and surveys have taken place in the area.
A bespoke Crimestoppers initiative is due to commence which the view of increasing community reporting and building community resilience and confidence.
There are dedicated local and specialist officers to develop and target drugs/Serious Organised Crime and County Lines intelligence. There has been an operational delivery group established around substances misuse to try and identify and deal with the causational factors to ensure effective ‘hold’ and ‘build’ phases.
In addition, the Commissioner has secured 300k of additional funding as part of the Safer Streets round 5. This is funding to tackle neighbourhood crime, ASB and VAWG over the next 18 months.
Some of the agreed partnership deliverables are, Recruitment of a community organiser who will work with the community in Buxton to understand local priorities, High visibility patrols by police, Funding for community groups to undertake crime and ASB prevention activity, Recruitment of a community caretaker to make environmental improvements within the area, Outreach activities with a focus on providing support and targeted educational products focusing behavioural change and awareness of ASB on local communities, Updates on action being taken will be placed on the local Facebook page as well as through our force social media channels and website.
Buxton Police SNT | Buxton | Facebook
Q5) Why are the police not responding to kids causing problems and anti social behaviour but target speeding by motorists as anti social behaviour? Easy target? Resident of Chesterfield.
Constabulary Response
The Local Safer Neighbourhood Team work closely with the Community Safety Partnership to reduce anti-social behaviour. They have identified several hotspot areas and have set up problem management plans which help target these areas to reduce ASB. As a result of these targeted patrols, we have seen a significant decrease in the amount of incidents reported and have received positive feedback from the businesses and members of the public who live or work in the area. We have identified over 50 separate subjects involved in ASB, with many having intervention put in place to stop reoffending.
Speeding vehicles is also a cause of antisocial behaviour and is also part of the “fatal four” traffic offences that are the highest contributors to traffic related deaths, so we will continue to target these issues, in line with the Commissioners priority for Road Safety.
Police & Crime Plan 2021-2025 (derbyshire.police.uk)
Q6) Anti-social behaviour is blighting the town. When will a strategy be implemented for sorting this out and how is anything going to improve when our PCSOs no longer have access to a car? Resident of Heanor.
Constabulary Response
Heanor Safer Neighbourhood Team have been working closely with partner agencies to reduce ASB in the Town Centre. We have set up Operation ZonePoint, along with a Problem Management Plan, to target ASB from off road bikes which constitute the largest proportion of ASB incidents reported for the area. There have been heightened high visibility patrols, utilising hotspot policing principles, to support a reduction of ASB in the area.
Heanor SNT have just upgraded their vehicle to a new car, which is readily accessible to all the team when required, however the core role of a PCSO is to patrol, on foot or bicycle, and ensure a highly visible presence on the streets, in all weathers. The Commissioner has funded two e-bikes for every Local Policing Unit across the county. As such they are actively encouraged to go about their daily business on foot, or utilising the new E-Bike that the team have just received to ensure they are as visible and accessible as possible.
You can stay up to date with what the local SNT are doing through Facebook.
Heanor and Langley Mill Police SNT | Ripley | Facebook
Q7) Why can you get arrested on someone’s gear say spend 22 hours in the cells and the custody officer won’t let you call your solicitor the person who makes the complaint when not true should be told who it is. Resident of Alfreton.
Constabulary Response
It is difficult to comment on this specifically due to not understanding the full circumstances of the case, however, when arrested and subsequently detained in police custody, everyone is entitled to:
- their right to consult privately with a solicitor and that free independent legal advice is available
- their right to have someone informed of their arrest
- their right to consult a copy of the Codes of Practice
In clearly defined circumstances certain rights may be delayed subject to the relevant authority. If you feel you have been denied of your rights within custody please register a complaint via our website so this can be reviewed correctly and a record made.
Complaints | Derbyshire Constabulary
Q8) Why does Derbyshire police not attend shoplifting offences which are completely out of control in Derby City centre. There used to be a task force dealing with this. Resident of Aston on Trent.
Constabulary Response
The Safer Neighbourhood Team have been working with local businesses to reduce theft in the City Centre. Whilst there is not a Task Force for dealing with shoplifting, Derbyshire’s crime policy ensures all crimes with reasonable lines of enquiry are investigated. The city centre SNT work closely with partners to reduce criminal behaviour and ASB. Work with local businesses includes efforts to reduce the opportunistic thefts that occur and liaising with probation to target prolific offenders by gathering evidence and pursuing prosecutions wherever possible.
Periodically, targeted initiatives are undertaken. Throughout August, Operation Summer Snowflake was run in Derby City. This saw police working together with the City Public Protection, BID, probation, Council CCTV, Shop Watch and the Rehousing, Engagement and Settlement Team (REST) engaged in targeting positive action. This resulted in thirteen arrests, twenty-five dispersal notices and four Criminal Behaviour Orders being granted. Work continues, working in partnership to tackle retail crime within the City.
Derbyshire Police works closely with the PCC funded Derbyshire Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP). This partnership seeks to improve information sharing, improve reporting mechanisms, and provide crime reduction advise.
October saw Derbyshire Police and its partners engage in the Business Crime week of action, this had a focus on retail crime. Proactive targeting of identified hotspots and offenders lead to the arrest twenty offenders, one out of court disposal, one offender reported for summons, four stop and searches, and four dispersal notices being issued.
Derby City Centre hosted a Safer Business Action Day during the week where twenty-five businesses were visited around St Peters and the Cathedral Quarter by police, BRCP and BID members to discuss their issues and seek ways to reduce crime and ASB. An information stand was set up on the high street for information sharing and personal attack alarms were handed out.
Q9) Whilst there may be logistical or policy reasons, could not PCSOs have powers of arrest? It would help the very valuable work they do and give their role added status. Resident of Belper.
Constabulary Response
The force considers very carefully the powers that we give to our Police and Community Support Officers. We recognise the immense value they provide to our communities, often being the eyes and ears on the street and who truly understand the community needs. Our Safer Neighbourhood Teams are made up of Police Officers, PCSOs and Neighbourhood Investigation Officers. This allows us to effectively respond to community needs through proactive and preventative work, consistent engagement, and robust investigation of neighbourhood crime.
The power of arrest cannot be designated to PCSOs, although power of detention can. We have not chosen to do this in Derbyshire as we feel it would potentially take them away from visible policing patrols and strong community engagement whilst they were required to transport and book the arrested person into one of the forces two custody suites.
Q10) How long are Police supposed to take to respond to a 999 call? Once they’ve initially responded, how long should one be expected to wait to hear updates? Why aren’t there regular patrols, especially on foot, of residential areas? It feels like there is minimal to no Police presence, except maybe during Market days or other larger events. Resident of Eckington.
Constabulary Response
All calls made to the police, either through the 999-emergency number, 101 or online, are assessed by dedicated call handlers and graded according to any risks identified. This risk assessment allows call handlers to identify which is the most appropriate resource or unit to deal with that report and what the response time should be. If you report an incident to us then the call taker will advise you on when you will be contacted or can expect an officer to attend, you might even be offered an appointment where that is appropriate. If you report a crime then the investigating officer will discuss with you how often they will provide updates to you, this can vary depending on the offence type, and victim needs, but is generally every week, but can be agreed to be up to 28 days. Eckington has a Safer Neighbourhood Team who regularly patrol on foot in the area and their details can be found on the Derbyshire police website, you can also follow the team on Facebook by searching Killamarsh and Eckington Police SNT and by signing up to Derbyshire Alert you will receive important messages about what is happening in your area. With the forces ongoing commitment to the recruitment of PCSOs Eckington SNT have recently benefited from a new member of staff.
Killamarsh and Eckington Police SNT | Killamarsh | Facebook
Q11) Why are PCSOs being used in more of a police role, when it is my understanding that it was originally intended for them to patrol on foot and be the first line of contact between the public and the police. We now see them driving police vehicles and attending road accidents, domestic disputes etc. Resident of Clowne.
Q12) How can the pcso’s of Heanor react to crime when they have no access to a vehicle? Resident of Heanor.
Constabulary Response to Questions 11 and 12
Derbyshire Constabulary Prevention and Partnership team have worked hard to better define the role of a PCSO within our force area.
This has included the introduction of an abstraction policy, work with our call centre staff to stop the allocation of crime incidents to PCSOs and minimising their involvement in crime investigation. We very much promote their core role as that of being a highly visible presence on our streets and a valuable addition to our Safer Neighbourhood Teams. These areas are monitored through internal governance processes to monitor improvement or gaps in delivery.
Where a PCSOs base station is a significant distance from their patrol area, then the provision of a vehicle or electric bike is appropriate so they can travel to and from the location.
Where incidents are reported that involve an Article 2 (Human Rights Act) risk to life, then the expectation is that the nearest resource, which might be a PCSO, will of course support this. Their deployment will be assessed against the risk and training of the officer or staff member attending.
As discussed earlier, Heanor SNT have just upgraded their vehicle to a new car, which is readily accessible to all the team when required, however the core role of a PCSO is to patrol, on foot or bicycle, to ensure a highly visible presence on the streets, in all weathers. The Commissioner has funded two e-bikes for every Local Policing Unit across the county. As such they are actively encouraged to go about their daily business on foot, or utilising the new E-Bike that the team have just received to ensure they are as visible and accessible as possible.
Partnership working is also a vital role of our PCSO’s who support joint effective working with partners such as local councils and housing associations, to tackle issues of concern in the community, with a focus on lower-level crime, disorder, and antisocial behaviour. Through working on projects to address longer-term crime problems, develop relationships with people in the local area and collect information about what is happening in the local area we maximise opportunities to understand and deal with what matters most to our communities. This is also reflected in the quarterly priorities that are set within each area, following community and partner consultation. This helps provide a focus for the Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
Q13) When we request a service from our local police unit, action is often less than forthcoming and when action is taken we get little or no feedback so we don’t know what has happened. Resident of Chesterfield.
Constabulary Response
We are sorry that you are not getting the level of service you expect. The force is committed to providing a consistently good service to the public, across the county. We also endeavour to provide regular updates to the community of action taken to persistent or widespread problems through the local neighbourhood newsletters which are on the force website SNT pages and distributed within public areas.
If you report a crime then the investigating officer will discuss with you how often they will provide updates to you, this can vary depending on the offence type, and victim needs, but is generally every week, but can be agreed to be up to 28 days.
Q14) Who do we contact when neighbours smoke cannabis non stop the smell is horrendous. Resident of Chesterfield.
Constabulary Response
You can contact police on 101 or report online to raise your concerns and we will work jointly with the local Community Safety Partnership who have powers to assist in certain circumstances.
Contact details to report wider issues of anti-social behaviour are on the link below.
You can also speak with your local Safer Neighbourhood Team who can offer advice and work with the council to resolve the issue.
Home | Derbyshire Constabulary
Derbyshire ASB Hub (saferderbyshire.gov.uk)
Reporting anti-social behaviour (saferderbyshire.gov.uk)
Q15) Twice in the last few months, and previously about 2 years ago I called the emergency number, on all 3 occasions its taken over 50 minutes for anyone to attend, do you think this is acceptable? Resident of Aston on Trent.
Constabulary Response
Every incident that is called into our Force Control Room goes through a THRIVE+ process. This considers the threat, harm, risk, investigation requirements, vulnerability, engagement and is an assessment which continues beyond the first contact. Aided by this assessment, a decision is made on the response grade, with not all 999 calls subsequently classified as requiring an immediate response.
50 minutes would not be an appropriate response time for a 999 call which was graded as an ‘immediate’ or what is now categorised as ‘emergency’ however it is difficult to directly respond to your question as the specific details of the incident are not known.
The force is committed to improvement this area and in early 2022 initiated the Public Contact Improvement Programme to directly transform the force’s contact management service, ensuring that the organisation has the right roles, processes, and technology to meet the demand now and in the future. This programme has included a full review and revision of the incident grading policy which went live in October and which will enable better management of incidents and ultimately speed up attendance for incidents categorised as emergency.
Q16) Due to a problem we have in our village I have been out walking during the night, a police vehicle has driven past me on two separate occasions, on a separate occasion I put my hand out to stop a pice vehicle, it drove past me, do you consider this good community policing. Resident of Aston on Trent.
Constabulary Response
It is difficult for me to respond on the limited detail provided. We would have to consider whether the officers saw you, what they were deployed to at that time and whether the road conditions allowed them to stop safely.
If an officer was waved down, we would have an expectation that they would ordinarily stop to enquire what was happening, but this would be based on all the circumstances above.
If you need to contact police for an emergency you should dial 999, for non-emergency matters 101 or online reporting. You can also contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team through our website.
Q17) Not enough police presence at night times. Having a huge effect not having cameras on vulnerable streets as well. Response times are extremely slow. Resident of Derby.
Constabulary Response
The distribution of all crime varies by the hour of day but generally peaks between midnight and 1am. Much of this crime is related to the night-time economy within the city centre and larger towns, which during peak times are policed by dedicated resources whose presence aims to deter and respond quickly to reports of violence to help keep safe those enjoying a night out.
Officers are deployed to identified hot spot or areas of higher risk, providing a visible presence, and taking positive action, for example dispersing people before things escalate.
We work closely with the Street Pastors who are trained volunteers from local churches who care for, listen to, and help people who are out on the streets. CCTV cameras are also present in the city centre and we work closely with the local authority to maximise opportunities to prevent and detect crimes, using the technology available.
The force’s Violence Against Women and Girls strategy has also supported bespoke patrols and funding opportunities that are designed to reduce the fear of crime and deter would be offenders. Preventative tools such as street lighting and cameras have formed part of the funding bids from the Government.
Q18) When can we have local full time “Bobby” back on the beat? Resident of Hope Valley.
Constabulary Response
We still have officers on the beat in our Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) which consist of Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, and Neighbourhood Investigation Officers. The Hope Valley SNT which comprises two PCSOs and two constables, is supported by both Dales and High Peak local policing units as well as officers from various other teams such as Roads Policing and Dogs Units.
The force has recruited an additional 351 officers as a result of the Government’s commitment to recruit 20,000 extra officers across England and Wales.
Our Chief Constable has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to provide strong local policing through investment within our Safer Neighbourhood Teams. We have developed an abstraction policy that supports community officers to perform their core role and minimum standards of engagement which outline the standards that need to be met by our Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
The Neighbourhood Charter details our commitment to deliver in this area, in line with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan priority for Strong Local Policing. This charter is also a commitment to increase the visibility of officers within the community. Neighbourhood policing charter (derbyshire.police.uk).
By visiting the Derbyshire Constabulary web pages you can find out who your local SNT team are and get in contact with them. The teams undertake a variety of engagement activities such as ‘Cuppa with a Coppa’, drop-in sessions and schools engagement.
Home | Derbyshire Constabulary
Hope Valley Police SNT | Buxton | Facebook
Q19) Why do you continue to Police the Derbion centre where except for shop lifting crime is minimal and it has its own security. When the streets of the city centre are not policed in a way the public want to see and why don’t you employ plain clothes officers who would see much more in begging, drugs and general bad behaviour. Resident of Derby.
Constabulary Response
Derby City Safer Neighbourhood Team are proud of the work it has done with our partners in tackling begging and rough sleeping. Operation Snowflake, something that usually runs during winter, was conducted throughout August with the aim of tacking anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in the city centre. Officers used a variety of powers and enforcement to disrupt those that would be committing crime of causing ASB.
18 dispersal orders were authorised to allow officers to move on groups, with 25 dispersals notices recorded and 13 arrests made for various offences. Those who were deemed to be persistent offenders, were granted Criminal Behaviour Orders at court, banning them from the area.
We are pleased that the police presence has been noticed in the Derbion. Although it is a place where members of the public can enjoy shopping and eating, it can be a place where groups of youths gather who may become a problem. The SNT have been working with local business owners to make the Derbion a safe place for visitors. Of course, shop lifting is something that we aim to reduce, but the same police presence and working with security has also reduced disorder and ASB.
We do also routinely deploy plain clothes officers in the city centre. This has resulted in positive results, such as identifying breaches of Criminal Behaviour Orders and spotting disorderly behaviour early on to disrupt it before it could escalate.
Q20) Lack of patrolling officers – Derbyshire Dales is 600 square miles. Response officers working from Matlock cover the lot. There are no local policing team. Minimum staffing is 4 officers. Last bank holiday there were 4 officers and two PCSOs for the whole area. This is no acceptable. There is a whole tear of officers missing (The LPUs) why have we not got a safe number of officers delivering the front line service. The Response Units will all be off sick with stress. Officers with very little service are off with stress. Resident of Baslow.
Constabulary Response
Each Local Policing Unit’s (LPU) resourcing has been determined considering the population, number of reported crimes and incidents and also the severity and complexity of crime. Allowance is made for geography resulting in the Dales having a proportionally higher number than many other areas. LPU officers based at Matlock are for the whole Derbyshire Dales and spend much of their time on patrol. Response times are monitored and are comparable to many other areas of the force.
The LPU and SNT officers and staff are supported by both uniformed specialists such as Roads Policing and Armed Response Teams, as well as detective resources from the Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Team, CID, Protecting Children Online Team, Domestic Abuse Units to name but a few.
Whilst LPU establishment has remained static in recent years there has been growth in other areas which support LPU is remaining on their local areas and reducing their demand. For example prisoner handling teams mean that officers who would be previously have been abstracted from the Dales to interview prisoners are now available to and answer calls for service.
Q21) Why don’t we see police patrol on Lorne Close were most tenants pensioners? Resident of Dronfield.
Constabulary Response
The Dronfield safer neighbourhoods team regularly patrol in the community. The SNTs work to quarterly priorities which are set in conjunction with the public and partners. Following your local team on social media or signing up for Derbyshire Alert allows communities to see what their SNT officers are working on and how they are responding to issues of concern in their communities.
We would encourage members of the public to report their concerns to the police so that they can be considered when officers are planning their patrols and setting priorities. We would encourage you to speak to your local SNT so that they can work to resolve you concerns.
We also hold ‘Cuppa with a copper’ events which are advertised and where you can meet one of the team to discuss any concerns that you might have.
We recognise that not everyone has access to the internet and our SNTs provide a quarterly newsletter which also provides details of local engagement events. These are posted at local shops and public areas. Details of the team covering your area can be found on the Derbyshire police website. In the meantime, the local SNT have been notified of your concerns.
Dronfield Police SNT | Dronfield | Facebook
Home | Derbyshire Constabulary
Q22) Why do you never see a police person walking in long eaton? Resident of Long Eaton.
Constabulary Response
Each area has a dedicated PCSO whose core role is about visible patrols, community engagement, partnership working and supporting the wider SNT to resolve community-based issues.
PCSO Pierpoint is the dedicated PCSO for Long Eaton town centre who conducts foot patrol when on duty. This will be at different times of the day so may be when residents are at work or otherwise out, however we do ensure the patrols are focussed and targeted to reports of ASB or crime and in line with the areas community priorities which are set quarterly.
In addition to foot patrol, PCSOs undertake engagement and crime prevention activities. For example, in the last two weeks of September 2023, PCSO Pierpoint held a bike marking event, ‘Cuppa with a copper’ and a street meet surgery at Tesco.
Events are advertised through the local SNT page and you can also contact your local team if you want to discuss anything with them.
Long Eaton Police SNT | Long Eaton | Facebook
Q23) Why don’t we see Police on foot patrols? All we seem to see is a fleeting glimpse as they drive through our district? Resident of Clowne.
Constabulary Response
The Clowne safer neighbourhood team regularly patrol in the community. Due to the size of the area that the teams cover they might use vehicles or pedal cycles on occasions to conduct these patrols.
If you would like to follow your local SNT you can do that on Facebook or sign up to Derbyshire Alert for important news and information about what is happening in your area.
In the month of September there were several engagement events held by our SNT ranging from youth engagement to ‘Cuppa with a copper’ events, which are advertised and where you can meet one of the team to discuss any concerns that you might have.
If you need to report a specific issue then you can do that by calling 101, or online through our website. Details of the team covering your area can be found on the Derbyshire police website.
Bolsover and Clowne Police SNT | Clowne | Facebook
Q24) I’ve lived in cotmanhey for a couple of years now and hardly ever see any police patrols. There is men/boys riding up and down the road on loud motorbikes and electric bikes pulling wheelies no helmets. Now this isn’t every day but I must see someone at kreast5times a week breaking the law.the weekends are worst there’s alsorts going on. Question is why aren’t the police coming down in force blocking the escape exits and taking illegal bikes off the street ? Resident of Ilkeston.
Constabulary Response
Ilkeston SNT have run several operations to combat illegal offroad bikes riding around this particular area. This has resulted in 20 people being arrested and offroad bikes seized by police. On the back of those operations, other criminality has been identified for which several prosecutions have followed.
Operations have brought together various policing units and partners to tackle the issue including roads policing, local authority partners and Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT), with the latest being over the summer of 2023. Enforcement tickets were handed out and the outcomes will be published on the force social media account in due course.
We continue to monitor this area and will respond positively to complaints.
Q25) Do not see the Safer Neighbourhood Team in Pilsley and there are issues concerning parking on pavements, children/adults riding electric scooters on the pavements/roads. Resident of Clay Cross.
Constabulary Response
Vehicles parking on pavements that are causing an obstruction should be reported to police so we can look to assess and action this offence.
Under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, privately owned E-Scooters can be seized if used on public roads, which includes cycle lanes and pavements and disposed of with the owner receiving a fine. Since the beginning of 2021 we have held a detailed database to monitor the issues arising from the use of E-Scooters in Derbyshire which includes many seized scooters and prosecutions for driving offences, so we do take positive action when the opportunity arrives. In 2023 so far, we have seized 22 e-scooters.
We have worked with retailers to display appropriate signage in stores and on their web pages warning people of the limitations on use. We also run media campaigns around their illegal use.
The safer neighbourhood team covering Pilsley regularly patrol within the community in line with locally agreed priorities. Due to the size of the area that the teams cover, they might use vehicles or pedal cycles on occasions to conduct these patrols.
If you would like to follow your local SNT you can do that on Facebook or sign up to Derbyshire Alert for important news and information about what is happening in your area.
We also hold ‘Cuppa with a copper’ events which are advertised and you can meet one of the team to discuss any concerns that you might have. For details of the team covering your area, these can be found on the Derbyshire police website.
Clay Cross Police SNT | Chesterfield | Facebook
Q26) Why do we not see policemen on the beat anymore? They get to know the local community and their concerns. They can prevent problems from escalating. I remember the local policemen from my childhood as people who I knew and trusted. Now we only see a policeman in times of crisis and not as the friendly face in our communities. Resident of Chesterfield.
Constabulary Response
We still have officers on the beat in our Safer Neighbourhood Teams, consisting of Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, and Neighbourhood Investigation Officers.
Our Chief Constable has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to provide strong local policing through investment within our Safer Neighbourhood Teams. We have developed an abstraction policy that supports community officers to perform their core role and minimum standards of engagement which outline the standards that need to be met by our Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
The Neighbourhood Charter details our commitment to deliver in this area in line with the Police and Crime Commissioners Police and Crime Plan.
Our SNT are committed to providing visible patrols to help reduce ASB and reassure our communities. Increased patrols have shown a reduction of recorded ASB incidents in Chesterfield since July 2023.
Neighbourhood policing charter (derbyshire.police.uk)
By visiting Derbyshire Constabulary web page you can find out who your local SNT team are and get in contact with them.
Home | Derbyshire Constabulary
They often attend local events and would be more than happy to discuss any concerns you have relating to your community. Events are advertised through social media, newsletters, and local communication.
Chesterfield Town Centre SNT | Chesterfield | Facebook
Q27) Weekend excessive traffic noise (motorbikes mainly) is a major problem always associated with speeding. Resident of Bakewell.
Constabulary Response
This a regularly reported concern for Dales residents and so the force has invested in some testing equipment for determining whether the noises emitted by vehicles, including those from motorbikes is excessive and above the permitted levels. This equipment is being used by the Dales SNT to help tackle this issue.
Although noise pollution from such vehicles is not generally linked to road safety directly, the deliberate adaptation of a vehicle to create excessive noise, (or in some cases where excessive noise is produced because of a faulty silencer system), can be classed as anti-social behaviour and officers can and do use powers under S.59 Police Reform Act 2002 to seize such vehicles and prosecute offenders.
Roads Policing officers continue to work closely with CREST (Casualty Reduction Enforcement Support Team) and Upright/Bikesafe (Motorcycle safety) to make the roads safer for all. Our key focus continues to be upon reducing the fatal 4 offences – Mobile phones, Speed, Drink and Drug driving and Seatbelt offences.
With regards to noise associated with motorcycles, whilst the local SNT do have use of noise testing equipment, it is primarily used as an education tool. The equipment is not suitable for evidential use, to achieve which would require acoustic testing in a laboratory. However, exhausts which do not meet the British Standards or have been adapted or altered to make excessive noise would be dealt with under construction and use legislation.
Q28) Can you tell me why the speed limit of 30mph is not enforced on the stretch of road between Codnor and Heanor, specifically through loscoe is not monitored or enforced? Motorbikes and cars frequently race along this stretch of road late at night in excess of, I would imagine, 60 mph. Speed cameras would be much appreciated to curb this infraction of the road laws. Resident of Loscoe.
Constabulary Response
The Roads Policing Unit do undertake enforcement activity in these areas, with speed check sites on Heanor Road and Crosshill. The speed survey data, indicates that the overall speed compliance is generally good, with 85% of motorists travelling at 35mph or less.
Reports of speeding are initially reviewed and managed by our Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) who will look to see if a Community Speedwatch is in place or could be considered. If the location is one where there have been previous collisions, CREST would consider the location for enforcement action. Where a site is highlighted as high risk for Road Traffic Collisions (RTC’s), prevention work would take place, working with the local authority, drawing upon education programmes and enforcement action.
The local Safer Neighbourhood Team help to support local Community Speed Watches (CSW) across Amber Valley and would gladly assist in the creation of a Loscoe CSW if there were volunteers in the local community who would want to be involved and a suitable site was available. Where a road is highlighted due to numerous complaints of speeding or where collision data supports, a speed survey will be completed by the local authority. This involves the placing of temporary equipment on the road that is left unaccompanied. While the equipment measures speed, this is more general to measure overall compliance with the speed limit and it does not obtain details of specific vehicles that were speeding so no prosecutions/tickets can take place on the back of speed surveys its purely to measure general compliance rates.
Heanor and Loscoe | Your area | Derbyshire Constabulary | Derbyshire Constabulary
Q29) This concerns highway safety at road junctions. When there is a collision the police are called to help but it is Derbyshire CC, as highway authority, who are responsible for road signs and white lines. Many white lines at road junctions near me are worn out and invisible. My question is ” how can the police exert influence on DCC to repaint worn out white lines? ” This is the third year I have asked this question and still many road markings are missing near me. Resident of Buxton.
Constabulary Response
Any road defects that are identified by Police officers are reported by us direct to Derbyshire County Council (DCC) for rectification. In 2023 we have reported many defects with any failings to repair noted by the submitting officer and subsequently escalated to DCC through our Traffic Management Officer.
To assess given repairs, details are required of the specific location and fault. If you are concerned about the condition of specific road markings, there is a simple to use online form (below) on the Derbyshire County Council web site where any member of the public can report a road defect or suggestion for an improvement. The Council then link in with the Traffic Management Officer in the Police to help inform their decisions.
Road maintenance – Derbyshire County Council
Report a Problem with our Roads – myAccount (derby.gov.uk)
Q30) What is the official response from the police to the increasing problem of illegal use of motorised scooters on the pavements and roads. Resident of Ripley.
Constabulary Response
Under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, privately owned E-Scooters can be seized if used on public roads, which includes cycle lanes and pavements and disposed of with the owner receiving a fine.
Since the beginning of 2021 we have held a detailed database to monitor the issues arising from the use of E-Scooters in Derbyshire, which includes many seized scooters and prosecutions for driving offences, so we do take positive action when the opportunity arrives. During 2023, we have so far seized 22 scooters.
If you are aware of a specific issue in your area you can contact your local safer Neighbourhood team who will work to try and tackle persistent problems. E-Scooters generally and the law surrounding them have been discussed widely and are still being discussed at Government level
Looking at police data there have only been 3 reports of ASB related to E-Scooters in the Ripley area in the last 3 months to October. We would therefore encourage reporting of any ASB so we can actively monitor and address the issues.
Q31) Could you tell me if it is worth at all ever to report a illegal/disruptive parking matter to the local police as they have me that they are powerless really to uphold the highway code and disruptive unthoughtful parking of works vans and vehicles? Resident of Worksworth.
Constabulary Response
Parking issues are dealt with through a combination of local authorities and the police. Local authorities have responsibility for the majority of parking infringements such as parking on single and double yellow lines and school keep clear areas.
The highway code contains guidance and rules, and these can often be misinterpreted as law. Police do have powers to deal with parked vehicles in certain circumstances, such as when a vehicle has been left in a dangerous position or is causing an unnecessary or wilful obstruction and which could result in the vehicle being removed. For example, a vehicle abandoned in the middle of the carriageway with no lights at night or on a blind bend clearly represents a danger to other road users. If a vehicle parked on a pavement causes pedestrians (such as a person with a pushchair or wheelchair) to have to move into the road to pass, then this is only an obstruction at that location at that specific time. To act upon this the police would need to be present at the time.
The below link may be helpful:
Nuisance parking and abandoned vehicles | Derbyshire Constabulary
Q32) A persistent drug driver (who drives daily) without documents with the vehicle in a dangerous condition has been reported to police 16 times. Times, dates and description supplied. Also reported to Crime stoppers. He continues to drive whilst drugged up. The High Peak has been abandoned by Roads Policing despite having major roads connecting Manchester and Sheffield. Members of the Roads Policing have confirmed the High Peak is rarely policed with main efforts concentrated on the M1 corridor and Derby. Resident of Harpur Hill.
Constabulary Response
The Roads Policing Unit (RPU) are dedicated to improving the safety of our roads across the county and High Peak is no exception. The RPU Inspector is aware of concerns that High Peak is not often patrolled and is working to ensure that patrols are directed in line with the Fatal 4 offences, namely those which cause the most harm to road users
So far this year, the RPU have conducted over 25,000 miles of patrols in the West and North West of the County. They also have a dedicated operation for the area which has seen an additional 524 hours of activity in the area during which they have taken action in respect of hundreds of offences and engaged with many motorists in the area.
With regards to the persistent drug driver, please ring 101, report the incident again and ask for it to be raised to the RPU Inspector and I will ensure it is actioned.
Q33) Illegally noisy and speedy motor vehicles, particularly motor bikes, regularly use the B3505 with impunity, particularly the section between both ends of Main Street (the Hopton and Carsington turns). The noise is unduly intrusive particularly on good weather evenings and weekends. It is exacerbated by high acceleration along that relatively straighter section of road. The disturbance is clearly criminal, dangerous and amounts to a nuisance to residents. I have seen no evidence of police enforcement action along that section. Could you please advise what measures the local police will take to enforce traffic laws along that section, and whether the issue of excessive motorbike noise is of concern to the local police? Resident of Wirksworth.
Constabulary Response
The police do focus on the anti-social use of vehicles concentrating on that behaviour most likely to result in serious injury or death, known as the fatal four (Speeding, Using Mobile Phones, Not wearing a Seatbelt and Driving under the influence of Drink or Drugs).
Officers from various Dales Safer Neighbourhood Teams regularly team up and carry out enforcement action in known hotspots. We also make use of an unmarked motorbike to positively help tackle speeding and other construction and use offences. We also support our voluntary community speed watch teams by carrying out extra enforcement, including issuing tickets, to reinforce their work. We also have officers who have recently completed training in speed enforcement to support this area.
Whilst excessive noise is not a Fatal 4 offence, where a vehicle is being driven or ridden dangerously, or committing another offence then officers will always check the vehicle for roadworthiness. The deliberate adaptation of a vehicle to create excessive noise, (or in some cases where excessive noise is produced because of a faulty silencer system), can be classed as anti-social behaviour and officers can and do use powers under S.59 Police Reform Act 2002 to seize such vehicles and prosecute offenders. Any vehicle found to be fitted with an illegal exhaust will be dealt with positively.
All exhausts fitted to any vehicle being used on a road in the UK must meet British standards and have a British kite mark which shows they comply with UK regulations. There are however many after-market global companies that offer after-market exhausts that do not meet British regulations, these are perfectly legal on private land, for example racing. Any rider found using a motorbike on a road or public highway fitted with one of these after-market exhausts, would commit a construction and use offence under the road traffic act and would be dealt with accordingly.
Q34) Why is nothing being done about E-scooters in this area including Derby. It seems if the police are turning a blind eye rather than confiscating them and fining offenders. Resident of Belper.
Constabulary Response
Under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, privately owned E-Scooters can be seized if used on public roads, which includes cycle lanes and pavements and disposed of with the owner receiving a fine.
Since the beginning of 2021 we have held a detailed database to monitor the issues arising from the use of E-Scooters in Derbyshire which includes many seized scooters and prosecutions for driving offences, so we do take positive action when the opportunity arrives. In 2023, we have seized 22 to October.
We have worked with retailers to display appropriate signage in stores and on their web pages warning people of the limitations on use. We also run media campaigns around their illegal use.
If you are aware of a specific issue in your area you can contact your local safer Neighbourhood team who will work to tackle persistent problems
Q35) Whilst I can see a huge effort on local policing (which is great) you are constantly totally let down by the courts who allow thieves, burglars and the rest to constantly get away with the most pathetic non sentences. I often read of some dreadful car chase where damage is caused to many public vehicles, they risk everyones lives, are never insured or have a licence and time after time its a fairytale “Suspended sentence”. These people know that they can get away with it time and again. What is being done to solve this issue. Resident of Smalley.
Constabulary Response
Whilst sentencing is an independent Judicial function, Derbyshire Constabulary meet regularly with the Courts and other Criminal Justice agencies to jointly discuss concerns and monitor performance. Derbyshire Constabulary is committed to putting the victim at the heart of what we do and will take all reasonable measures to achieve an appropriate outcome. Derbyshire Criminal Justice Board is chaired by the Police and Crime Commissioner with chief officers from all criminal justice agencies, including the Police and His Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service, as active members. The main purpose of the Board is to improve trust and confidence in the Criminal Justice System across communities in Derbyshire.
Q36) Why haven’t the Police been conducting strong local policing previously, and what is the definition of strong local policing. Resident of Ashover.
Constabulary Response
Derbyshire Constabulary have demonstrated a commitment to deliver Strong Local Policing through the ongoing work to develop our Safer Neighbourhood Teams, recognising and responding to vulnerability, providing the right technology to our staff and ambition to meet the uplift targets set by the Government, which have been surpassed within our force.
Due to the importance of this work, it has been set as a priority area within the Police and Crime Plan, which dictates to us the work we are continually doing to meet the needs of our public.
Police and Crime Plan 2021-2025 (derbyshire.police.uk)
Q37) Do the Police no longer investigate low level crime eg Criminal Damage by way of door to door enquiries or checking cctv unless it is specifically brought to their attention. I can quote 3 instances when these crimes could have been solved by judicial enquiries and questioning but were marked off with excuses that we couldn’t get it past the Custody Sergeant or CPS. Resident of Chesterfield.
Constabulary Response
Derbyshire still investigate so called “low level” crimes and will complete door to door and CCTV enquiries where appropriate and reasonable to do so. Sometimes we may ask that a victim speak with their neighbours to understand if the offence has been witnessed and whether they are aware of CCTV within the direct location of the offence. This is work that is often carried out by our Crime Resolution Investigation Management Team (CRIMt), who work to improve the quality of the initial response and investigation. Like other police forces across the country, we recognise that police attendance is not always required and CRIMt support Derbyshire’s response to crimes that fall within this category. This predominantly covers crimes reported via 101 or digital routes, with a call handler recording a crime for review a CRIMt police officer. CRIMt aim to review the crime within 48 hours of initial report into the force Contact Management department. Where obvious enquiries exist that require physical attendance, the crime is allocated for investigation, this includes door-to-door and CCTV enquiries. If matters can be resolved through remote investigation, such as the obtaining of CCTV via email, this route may also be appropriate. Each case is different and assessed on the needs of the victim, and the nature of the lines of enquiry.
If CPS make the decision to take no further action based on the evidence available, we can in defined circumstances appeal the decision. There is guidance available on a victims right to review a CPS decision, which is accessed through the link below.
Victims’ Right to Review Scheme | The Crown Prosecution Service (cps.gov.uk)
Decisions are made on whether to prosecute based on the evidence available, public interest and realistic prospect of conviction. Whilst I cannot comment on the specific cases you mention there is a victims’ right to review should you feel the wrong decision has been made.