Decision details

This report will present the findings of a review of the Council’s Parks Police Service, which will include feedback from a public consultation exercise

The Executive will be asked to approve proposals arising from the review for the future of the service

Received a report from the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services setting out four detailed options for the future of the Council’s Parks Police service following a review of the current service and various operational issues.  Discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each option and noted, in particular, issues relating to the scope of the Independent Police Complaints Commission and the outcome of the Internal Audit investigation which has resulted in a number of service improvements being implemented.

Agreed, in order to assist the Council to achieve its Community Priority “Making Barking and Dagenham Cleaner, Greener and Safer”, to:

(i)  The implementation of a Council-delivered ‘Reassurance’ service (Option 4) which will provide a patrolling presence in the Borough’s parks, in the form of a Safer Parks Team, as set out in the report;

(ii)  Authorise the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services to determine the details of the new service in line with the proposals under Option 4;

(iii)  The introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices for the infringement of the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces byelaws, and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services (or his/her nominated deputies) to issue Fixed Penalty Notices;

(iv)  Budget provision for this service to be considered as part of the budget process for 2008/09 to facilitate the implementation of Option 4 as detailed in the report; and

(v)  The new service being reviewed after the first year of operation and a further report to the Executive, to include the effectiveness of the new service and the on-going financial implications in the context of all other competing corporate priorities.