Agenda item

·        Prevent

·        Youth Action Panel

·        Police Community Support Officers

·        CCTV

The Community Safety & Safeguarding Manager provided and update on Prevent, Youth Action Panel and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

1. Prevent

The Prevent Strategy is a key priority and highlights the Prevent Delivery Plan, a living document supported by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), which guides local partnership actions on awareness, concerns and reporting. Training sessions for staff and partners were conducted last year, with continued opportunities planned. Significant updates include the introduction of the new Prevent National Referral form and legislative changes reflected on the Council’s website. The officer mentioned a major legislative development which is the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law), which mandates enhanced security and preparedness at certain venues and events to mitigate terrorist threats. The Community Safety team intends to collaborate with local venues to ensure compliance and readiness under this new law.

In response to a question raised regarding the possibility of conducting a risk assessment related to the recent developments in the police, the officer responded by indicating the need to consult with HCC, after which she will be able to provide feedback on the matter. – Action Michelle Wright.

2. Youth Action Panel

Following the end of funding for the ‘No More Service’, previously managed by Stevenage Borough Council and funded by the OPCC, Three Rivers District Council and Watford Borough Council have collaborated to continue critical support for youths and their families. This initiative targets young people identified as at risk or involved in crime, exploitation, drug dealing, and antisocial behaviour. A multi-agency approach is employed to manage individuals who are perpetrators, victims or at risk. Referrals can be made through the Council’s website either via self-referral, by family members, educational institutions, police or partner agencies. A monthly case assessment group determines actions to support these youths. Despite limited resources, the initiative relies on committed groups from youth services, health, and education sectors.

3. Police Community Support Officers

Three Rivers District Council has confirmed its continued commitment to community safety by funding the four PCSOs, contributing to a total of twelve PCSOs operating across the district. These uniformed officers maintain a visible presence through regular foot patrols, aiming to deter antisocial behaviour and reduce crime. The PCSOs work collaboratively with the OPCC and Hertfordshire Constabulary as part of the community safety partnership. The Council funds these PCSOs directly, who play a vital role in the district; ensuring that residents, workers and visitors feel safe and supported.

4. CCTV

Community Safety Officer provided an update on the nine new CCTV cameras funded through CIL application. The locations for these cameras were carefully selected based on police data, partner input, and site visits across various parts of Three Rivers, including Prestwick Road where a replacement camera will be installed, Hayling Road and Otley Way in South Oxhey, with new cameras installed. There will also be new cameras in Delta Gain and at the South Way junction of Furtherfield in Abbots Langley. Furthermore, there will be a replacement camera at the junction between Langley Road and Abbots High Street, a new camera at Catherine Place shopping parade, a replacement camera at Rickmansworth High Street and a new camera at King George V recreational ground in Mill End. The new cameras are twin cameras, allowing for zoning of views, which is an upgrade from the previous single cameras. Public consultations with affected residents and businesses have been completed positively, with some expressing enthusiasm for the new cameras. Electrical testing and column placements have been finalised. The project, spanning 19 months, is nearing completion, with the final step being confirmation of installation dates, which involves coordinating road closures and traffic management to ensure safe installation. Once installed, the cameras will be activated within hours to help detect crime and antisocial behaviour as intended.

In response to a question regarding the cameras, the officer clarified that originally, there were six cameras, and the number of cameras has now increased to nine, with the three brand new cameras. All cameras are movable and redeployable.