Agenda item

Report of the Superintendent.

Richard Gentry (Constabulary and Queen's Park Manager) provided an overview of the main issues set out in the report before Members relative to the work of the Hampstead Heath Constabulary between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2012, and progress made in respect of achievements on key objectives. 

The Committee was updated about key activities in 2012 including a two week enforcement campaign to target illegal cycling hotspots on the Heath; the continuation of a number of successful partnership strategies; free micro-chipping for dogs events; an increase in responsible fishing within the ponds; an increase in Byelaw 32 offences; and the development of a response plan to maximise public safety at the lido.

In response to a question regarding the increase in Byelaw 32 offences, Richard Gentry explained that improved training amongst officers, enhanced patrolling and reporting arrangements; and greater awareness of, and reference to the Byelaws, were key factors as opposed to there having been an actual rise in such offences.

The Committee welcomed the report and  the work undertaken by the Hampstead Heath Constabulary but suggested that a future report, detailing proposed actions and performance objectives, would be beneficial to enable the Committee to review outcomes rather than input.

Some concern was raised regarding the use of the Heath by commercial dog walkers, some of whom walked large numbers of dogs at one time and therefore potentially posed some risk to other users of the Heath, particularly other dog walkers and children.  It was suggested that the issue posed a health and safety risk to the Corporation and a more stringent approach should be explored, either as part of a licensed scheme or by using Dog Control Orders.  It was agreed that a report on dog walker issues be submitted to the autumn meeting of the Committee.

RESOLVED - That:-

(i)         the Review of the Hampstead Heath Constabulary 2012 be noted; and

(ii)        a detailed report into issues associated with commercial dog walkers on the           Heath be submitted to the autumn meeting of the Hampstead Heath     Consultative Committee.