An update from GMP to be provided.
Minutes:
Chief Inspector Wright attended the meeting and provided a further update around a dispersal order in Bury Town Centre, which was discussed at the last meeting. The order would have affected youths wanting to come into the centre at the time. The issue was around retail theft by groups of youths, the youths involved were not Bury children and were using the tram network to come into the area. The incident was dealt with quickly.
Chief Inspector Wright asked if any of the young people had anything to raise with him.
In response to a Youth Member’s question regarding increased police presence in a particular area, Chief Inspector Wright explained that policing levels are increased in response to incidents. He queried whether there were specific concerns warranting a higher level of visibility. A Youth Member noted that police had previously attended local community groups and asked whether this practice continued. Chief Inspector Wright confirmed that community policing meetings take place two to three times per year in each ward across Bury.
Addressing Youth Members questions regarding youth crime, Chief Inspector Wright outlined that responses vary depending on the severity of offences, with pathways including youth offending services or custody. Each case is assessed individually based on multiple factors. He noted a reduction in youth crime.
In response to Youth Members questions about antisocial behaviour on the Metrolink, Chief Inspector Wright advised that a new specialist transport unit is now operating from Bury Police Station, with officers working both in plain clothes and uniform. He indicated that, due to their specialist role, they may not attend Bee Network meetings but he would feedback information from the meeting, if required. He encouraged young people to contribute ideas for addressing antisocial behaviour.
Jen Mills highlighted the partnership approach to tackling antisocial behaviour, noting alignment with young people’s priorities such as safe spaces, universal services and support programmes. She added that this work could be more widely communicated to young people.
Jen Mills further explained that services work collaboratively, with youth workers acting on information shared by police. She confirmed that she would liaise with the new transport unit.
Jen Mills also outlined the role of Police and Community (PAC) meetings, which bring together police, services and communities to address local issues. Adele Crowshaw and Heather Walton can represent the youth voice at these meetings. Further work will be undertaken to strengthen youth representation at PAC meetings, with a future update to be provided at the informal youth cabinet meetings. Councillor Ryder noted the value of these meetings.
In response to a Councillor’s question around careers within the Police, Chief Inspector Wright advised that there is information on the GMP website. Chief Inspector Wright outlined different pathways such as Police cadets, station visits, university courses, and administrative apprenticeships. Chief Inspector Wright spoke of how rewarding his own career experience within the Police has been.
In response to a Councillor question around trends in youth crime, Chief Inspector Wright acknowledged that he didn’t have any statistics available but he feels that there has been a reduction in youth crimes since he started working for the Police over 20 years ago and suggested this is because of partnership working, social media acting as a deterrent, and increased visibility of incidents. Heather Walton added that data indicates a reduction in knife crime, likely due to early intervention.
Chief Inspector Wright advised of a community event that is taking place on 22nd July at The Derby High School and asked if the Youth Cabinet would like a stall at the event. Heather Walton advised that the Youth Service have a stall for this event and queried the change of venue from Bury Millgate Centre. In response, Chief Inspector Wright explained that The Derby High School has improved facilities for the emergency service vehicles that will be attending.