Structure for the monitoring and review of stop and search powers

Report: 5
Date: 21 May 2009
By: Chief Executive

Summary

This report outlines the MPA supported accountability and consultation structures for the oversight and monitoring of the use of Stop and Search powers by the Metropolitan Police.

A. Recommendation

None provided

B. Supporting information

Communities, Equalities and People Committee

1. The overarching committee responsible for the review and monitoring of the Metropolitan Police Service stop and search and stop and account powers is the Community Equalities and People Committee (CEP) of the MPA.

2. This committee’s key responsibilities are:

To be the lead committee for:

1. The MPS/MPA citizen focus, consultation and community engagement work and responsibilities
2. Matters related to the MPA’s statutory duties in crime and disorder reduction partnerships
3. Matters related to the MPA’s statutory duties for the management of the Independent Custody Visiting Scheme and the monitoring of the MPS delivery of Stop and Search
4. Matters related to the effective delivery of shared MPS/MPA priorities, such as the hate crime and domestic violence
5. Equality and diversity work matters within the MPS/MPA service areas
6. MPS/MPA Human Resources policy and strategy.

Monitoring and Review activities

3. The methods by which the committee undertakes its duties are through the commissioning of occasional reports related to the use of the relevant powers for stop and search and stop and account. The committee will also receive 6 monthly reports from which will update the committee on the topical use of those powers and any related emerging issues.

Community Monitoring Network

4. The Stop and Search Community Monitoring Network Forum, provides an opportunity for communities and agencies to discuss practical issues and hear from experts on the latest matters related to the area. The Forum meets every 4 months and reports directly to the MPA’s community and multi agency Stop and Search Working Group.

5..The terms of reference of this co-ordinating Group are:

• to oversee the continued implementation of the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.
• and to work with the police to ensure that there is an effective development and delivery of borough based Stop and Search which is regularly reported to the Authority.

6. The Network does this by:

• Reviewing the progress of Borough based Community Monitoring Groups.
• Scrutinising borough performance on stop and search (management/supervision).
• Identifying emerging issues to be progressed through the MPA or the Home Office to provide reasonable solution to community SS CMGs.
• Identifying borough success and good practice to be communicated internally and externally to the public by ways of networking SS CMGs.
• Providing a central forum for local monitoring groups and the MPS to promote best practice through debate and discussions in support of improved accountability.
• Providing guidance and assistance to the public/community groups on development and sustainability of SS CMGs.
• Bringing issues to the attention of the MPA or MPS Senior Management Teams, community groups, and other key stakeholders.
• Acting as a first point of call for the resolution on stops and searches issues and complaints.

Stop and Search Working Group

7. To support the work of the CEP committee, the MPA's Stop and Search Working Group meets bimonthly. The group members consist of the joint chairs of the London Regional Stop and Search Community Monitoring Network, representatives of the MPS Stop and Search Specialist Team and MPA Officers. This group is co-ordinated by the MPA Engagement and Partnerships Unit.

The terms of reference of the group are to:

• Consider matters raised concerning the use of the powers from the Community Monitoring Network representatives (see 3 below), MPS officers and MPA staff.
• To undertake work which may from time to time be commissioned by the CEP committee on its behalf.
• To review the day to day use of stop and search and stop and account powers and to address any issues which may indicate changes either in the frequency or appropriate use of the powers.
• To form an improving alignment of MPA and MPS work so as to avoid duplication in this area
• Make clearer the MPA and MPS work around stop and search through the continued dissemination of stop and search leaflets and other information based material.

C. Race and equality impact

The current structure for the monitoring of Stop and Search is intended to enable effective representation of all equality strands within the monitoring and consultation process.

D. Financial implications

The current structure is managed within the agreed relevant MPA budgets.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author(s):Martin Davis, Head of Engagement and Partnerships, MPA

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback