Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 26 October 2006 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Len Duvall (Chair)
• Reshard Auladin
• Cindy Butts (Deputy Chair)
• Tony Arbour
• Jennette Arnold
• Richard Barnes
• Dee Doocey
• Nicky Gavron
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Peter Herbert
• Damian Hockney
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney
• Karim Murji
• Bob Neill (items 1-10 and 13)
• Aneeta Prem
• John Roberts
• Richard Sumray
• Graham Tope
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• David Riddle (Deputy Chief Executive, Deputy Clerk and Solicitor to the Authority)
• Ken Hunt (Treasurer)
• Nick Baker (Head of Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Sir Ian Blair (Commissioner)
• Paul Stephenson (Deputy Commissioner)
• Steve House (Assistant Commissioner)
• Tarique Ghaffur (Assistant Commissioner)
• Tim Godwin (Assistant Commissioner)
• Phil Gormley (Commander)

49. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

No apologies for absence were received.

50. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

Toby Harris declared a personal interest in agenda item 8. Richard Sumray declared a personal interest in agenda item 15. Tony Arbour, Richard Barnes, Elizabeth Howlett declared personal interests in agenda item 16.

51. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

It was noted that information regarding the MPS procedure in relation to accommodating displaced persons during an operation would be circulated to members.

The Chair confirmed that the format and style of minutes of Authority meetings would be considered when members meet to discuss the way the Authority does its business.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meetings of the Authority held on 28 September 2006 be agreed and signed as a correct record

52. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 4)

The minutes of the following committees were received for information:

• Planning, Performance and Review Committee -14 September 2006.
• Finance Committee - 21 September 2006.
• Joint Finance and Planning, Performance and Review Committee - 21 September 2006.
• Corporate Governance Committee - 22 – September 2006.

It was noted that the minutes of the Co-ordination and Policing Committee, 5 October 2006, were not yet available.

Resolved – That the minutes of Committees be received and noted.

53. Chair's update

(Agenda item 5)

The Chair, in agreement with members of the Authority, agreed to re-order the agenda, taking items 10 and 13 and 12 and 15 together. In addition, in agreement with members of the Authority, agenda item 7 Estates Strategy was withdrawn in order for members to engage in informal discussions before further consideration.

Jenny Jones drew members’ attention to two events taking place to mark a national day of remembrance for victims of road traffic accidents.

54. Question from member of the public

(Agenda item 6)

The Authority, in accordance with Standing Order 2.7, received the following question from Mr Paul Webbewood:

‘In 2002 the Authority suspended the Greenwich Police Community Consultative Group and since then there has been no proper Borough-wide consultation mechanism in Greenwich.

In 2005, the Authority commissioned Professor Mike Hough of King's College London to review the position and make recommendations. According to a report presented to the Co-ordination and Policing Committee on 3 March 2006 it was hoped to implement these early in 2006-07 and a budget allocation had been made to support the new process.

As far as I am aware, this has not happened. Will the Authority provide an update please.’

The Chief Executive and Clerk will respond to Mr Webbewood’s question as follows:

‘The MPA has indeed invested considerable time and resources in considering the most appropriate way forward for community engagement in Greenwich. Professor Hough’s review, which included consultations with community groups, local statutory partners and good practice in other boroughs, made the following proposals which were presented to a public meeting on 18 July 2006:

1. The setting up of a borough wide Community Engagement Board consisting of two elements: representatives of the Safer Neighbourhood Panels; and representatives of relevant communities of interests.
2. The Board will be an independent body electing its own Chair and officers from amongst its members but the relevant Council Cabinet member would be part of the Board as would the Borough Commander and the MPA Link Member.
3. The Board would seek membership of the CDRP as a critical friend immediately after coming into being.
4. The Board would be expected to work in a supportive manner with any other relevant community engagement structures.

These proposals enjoy the support of the Borough Commander. There are ongoing constructive discussions with the Council, which I hope Mr Webbewood, as a Councillor maybe able to influence. The next steps are to establish which Safer Neighbourhood Panels are sufficiently developed to take on their part and which require further support and development. It will also be necessary to identify and approach groups representing communities of interests on a borough wide basis to seek their involvement.

Arrangements are being made towards implementation of the agreed proposals with a view to the Greenwich Community Engagement Board being in place before the end of the financial year and that budget provision will also be made to support it in 2007/08.’

Mr Webbewood informed the Authority that he was grateful for receipt of Chief Executive and Clerk’s response in advance of the meeting. He added, “It was somewhat reassuring to know that at last something is happening about restoring proper police-community consultation in Greenwich. However, to be worthwhile such consultation must include everyone who wants to be involved, not just those views the police and Council want to hear. I believe that some Safer Neighbourhood Panels are being constituted on an invitation only basis. I ask the Authority to make clear that this is not the way to proceed and that panels should be widely advertised and open to all. I also ask the Authority to make clear that the communities of interest of interest represented should be drawn equally from all localities in the borough. Finally, I ask the Authority to stipulate that the Community Engagement Board should meet in public and that non members should be able to attend and participate.”

The Chief Executive and Clerk added that the Authority, wherever possible, would continue to ensure that there was transparent dialogue in the Borough.

Resolved – That the question be received.

55. Estates strategy

(Agenda item 7)

The Chair, in agreement with members of the Authority, agreed to withdraw this item. He added that, although this meant the strategy had not been ratified the Authority would lift the informal moratorium on disposal and acquisition decisions and would consider individual cases either in Committee or through the urgency procedure.

56. Safer London Foundation – POCA allocation

(Agenda item 8)

The Authority was asked to confirm an allocation of £500,000 from Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) funds to the Safer London Foundation (SLF), for use to fund community projects for crime reduction.

In response to members’ questions, the Deputy Chief Executive confirmed that the SLF do have equality policy statement and a Grants Committee, supported by equality advisors, which in considering grants took account of the promotion of diversity and equality within a bid. It was also noted that in addition to ensuring that bidders had their own formal equality and diversity statement, the Grants Committee would seek evidence that that statement was put into practice. An annual report from SLF would be circulated to the Authority, which would indicate allocation of grants.

Arising from the discussion, members urged the MPS to continue to engage in dialogue with the Home Office to encourage it to ensure that proceeds of crime were released back into the community from where they came. It was also agreed that there was a need for more joined up thinking on this issue within the criminal justice system.

Resolved – That £500,000 from POCA funds be allocated to the Safer London Foundation to be used for grants to community organisations for crime reduction projects.

57. Violent Crime Directorate

(Agenda item 10)

A report was received that provided an overview of the developments in the Violent Crime Directorate. The report outlined the Directorate’s aims and objectives and provided details on the six separate headquarter units within territorial policing that had responsibilities for specific kinds of violence in London.

In considering the report, members felt that there was scope for further information in relation to those wards identified as the ‘most challenged’ and that the impact of reported improvements in violent crime needed to be highlighted, particularly in these wards. It was also suggested that there was need to provide details on the work being undertaken in these wards, particularly lessons learnt and partnership work. In noting the comments made by members, AC Godwin agreed that he would provide them with a briefing on the initiatives being undertaken in these in wards.

Members noted that there was no performance framework for challenged wards and supported the development of this by the Planning, Performance and Review Committee.

AC Godwin confirmed that the outcomes of the ‘rape review’ had been incorporated into the work of ‘Sapphire’. He agreed that it would be useful if similar work on rape undertaken by the London Criminal Justice Board, which included the link between the perpetrators of rape and other violent crimes, were shared with the MPA. Arising from the discussion, it was agreed that the Authority receive a report on the conviction rate for rape and the scrutiny of evidence before cases come to court.

He confirmed that the MPS were continuing to work with young people on knife crime and outlined various methods of engagement currently being undertaken. He also reported that the hate crime strategy was being reviewed and would be presented to the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board (EODB) and that the development of public protection performance indicators that reflected the complexity of risk management was ongoing.

In response to members’ concerns that the race and equality impact section of the report was in adequate, AC Goodwin agreed to look at ways on presenting this information in a suitable format for such a wide ranging Directorate. It was agreed once this information was available it would be presented to the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board.

Resolved – That

1. the report be received;
2. the Authority receives a report on rape conviction and scrutiny of evidence; and
3. the MPS be asked to re- visit the race and equality impact issues of this report and present the findings to the EODB.

58. Knife crime

(Agenda item 13)

Following concerns raised previously by the Authority, a report was received on knife crime, in particular among young people. AC Godwin informed members that current evidence indicated that knife crime was stable, but the MPS continued to work on partnership and prevention initiatives relating to knife crime.

AC Godwin confirmed that all officers received diversity training and that this would include guidance to officers around members of the Sikh community carrying ceremonial knives. He confirmed that he could not promise that officers working in schools would refrain from stop and searches if they had reason to believe knives were being carried and acknowledged the challenges that faced head teachers who might be given powers to search pupils. He provided members with details of initiatives being undertaken by safer neighbourhood teams and partners outside schools, including joint work by boroughs with safer schools partnership. Regarding the rehabilitation of those convicted of knife crime and the possibility of re-offending, AC Godwin informed members that partners undertook rehabilitation work and the MPS engaged in this process.

In response to members’ questions about the effectiveness of knife amnesties, AC Godwin confirmed that he believed that these acted as a final opportunity to those who carried knives to stop and were a method of prevention. He confirmed that a pilot scheme was currently being undertaken with hospitals in which the police would be informed of patients admitted with knife injuries. Following the pilot, it was anticipated the scheme would be rolled out across London.

Members welcomed the recently arranged focus groups, involving young people between the ages of 14-17, which sought to ask why to young people carried knives. Members suggested that there was a need for the MPS, when setting up such focus groups, to look at existing established groups which were possibly more cost effective and which had greater engagement with those people and communities that the MPS were trying to be reach.

In relation to why young people carried knives, some members felt that whilst carrying a knife was not be excusable, there was a need to take account of such issues as poverty, education and employment needs and to provide better support to young people in these areas. AC Godwin supported this view and reiterated the MPS’s aim of both working with and protecting young people. However, he added that he believed that the MPS had to challenge some of the perceptions around why young people carried knives.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

59. Review of public order tactics

(Agenda item 12)

A report was presented outlining the proposed scope, rationale and methodology of a review to be carried out in relation to MPS public order policies, tactics, procedures and equipment. AC Ghaffur informed members that the structure of the review of public order was currently being developed, and it was hoped to present the Authority with its recommendations in early 2007. The Chair of the Authority requested that a small group of members assist the MPS in the review and it was agreed that interested members should inform the Chief Executive and Clerk. Members requested that a robust and thorough public consultation process should accompany any review of public order tactics.

Members raised a number of general points in relation to the proposed terms of reference of the review. These included: the need to consider the impact of and the ability to influence forthcoming legislation; reference to the code of conduct; consideration of disruption of a public order event and its possible impact on communities; the number of public order events; the need to quality assure public order events; the number of officers deployed; training and professional standard issues; to be able to meet the challenges of changing types of public order events; and consider the possible high-jacking of events.

Resolved – That

1. the report be received; and
2. members wishing to be part of the public order review inform the Chief Executive and Clerk of their interest.

60. MPS Olympics programme

(Agenda item 15)

The Authority received a report that informed members of current and proposed work and planning arrangements for the Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in London in 2012. In welcoming the report, members highlighted the need for them to be kept regularly informed on developments and provided with details of the financial cost of the policing and security of the Games. The Chair confirmed that he would continue his discussions with the Home Office on funding policing issues and would be suggesting that the Home Office provide a budget for the MPA to draw upon, as opposed to having to seeking funding as the MPS planned for the event.

Members were concerned about the influx of people into London during the Games, particularly in and around the vicinity of the Games and the possible increases in crime. Members supported the need for local leaders in the boroughs where the Games were to be held to engage in urgent discussions, with partners, in relation to crime prevention and in particular that of race hate crimes. It was suggested that the MPS should undertake an equality impact assessment as a tool to highlight possible issues and a way of resolving them and that there was a need to ensure community engagement was incorporated into the planning process. Members also highlighted the importance of legacy issues for the MPS and communities in the area, with the need to plan and look beyond 2012. It was also noted that the MPS needed to consider risk resilience and ways of developing and integrating the work being undertaken with volunteers. Members welcomed the command structure that the MPS had put in place for the Games and noted that planning for the London Games was in advance of previous Games held in other countries. It was agreed that the Authority, through the Co-ordination and Policing Committee, should receive regular update reports on the Games.

Resolved – That

1. the report be noted and the MPS supported in its approach to the preparation of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and
2. Co-ordination and Policing Committee receive reports on the planning of policing and security for of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

61. Specialist Crime Directorate update

(Agenda item 11)

Members received a report providing an overview of the Specialist Crime Directorate’s (SCD) aims and objectives, key performance indicators, recent operational successes and diversity activity.

In response to members, AC House confirmed that the Directorate did scope emerging communities and emerging crime. Members welcomed the work of the Directorate’s Diversity Forum and asked how this fitted into other diversity forums within the MPS and how it encouraged joined up working and work on common themes.

The SCD was congratulated on its work against sex offenders who used the internet to groom young people, however members were concerned about the limited resources being provided in this area. AC House agreed that there was a resource issue and he confirmed that in relation to the example outlined in the report, of the person convicted of child grooming, the method of obtaining an arrest was acceptable in court.

The Chair agreed to discuss with the Commissioner the receipt of further reports to the Authority that focussed on areas of specialist crime, particularly, on child protection.

Resolved – The report be noted.

62. Commissioner’s update

(Agenda item 9)

The Commissioner reported orally on the monthly performance figures and a number of other matters.

He presented performance information, comparing the period April-September 2006 with the same period for 2005 and included details of public satisfaction, British crime survey figures and the public attitude survey. The Commissioner highlighted a number of falls in crime including nine categories that had shown an improvement from the previous month and suggested this indicated a sustained decline in crime in some areas. He also highlighted personal robbery, which was below the level of last year.

The Commissioner drew members’ attention to faith crimes and highlighted the decline in this area despite the events of July 2006. He noted that the information on public confidence included an indication of significant satisfaction in local policing and a declining perception of anti social behaviour. The Commissioner reported that safer neighbourhoods teams would be at the 1/2/3 strength, as agreed with the Authority, by December 2006.

The Deputy Commissioner informed members of a report prepared by the Home Office on police service performance across the country. Acknowledging that there was no room for complacency, he informed members that the report showed that the MPS had made significant improvement in many areas. He agreed that there was further work to be done; there was a need to relate this success to the community and to engage in a debate carrying on the good work being undertaken by the MPS.

Members joined the Chair in congratulating the MPS on the improved performance figures. In welcoming the improvement in performance, members raised a number of comments on the figures. The Commissioner agreed that he would be looking at the need to improve on the public’s dissatisfaction with not being ‘kept informed’. The Deputy Commissioner added that this issue remained a challenge, although the recent Home Office report indicated that the MPS had moved from poor to satisfactory in this area.

In response to members’ concerns about the increase in road fatalities, the decline in road traffic officers and lack of enforcement, the Commissioner rejected the claim of compliancy in this area. He acknowledged that the number of road traffic officer was less than in the 1990s, but other enforcement capabilities were not then available and there were considerably more road deaths in 2000 (263).

Following comments made in the media and by individuals in public life, members raised concerns about the increase in attacks on Muslim women and the possibility of incitement of religious hatred. The Commissioner stated that the Government was still consulting on legislation, and therefore in relation to an article in the Daily Star, no crime had been committed and there could be no investigation. He also added that crime figures showed no increase in attacks on Muslim women. The Chair of the Authority reiterated the need for these issues to be debated in a sensitive manner and acknowledged that there was a small minority of the Muslim community who were not representative of their community.

A request was made for a comparison on the number of ASBOs by quarter. Members also requested further details on the tracking of those who have been issued with an ASBO and the role of the safer neighbourhood teams. The Commissioner agreed that the MPA should receive further information on ASBOs, through the appropriate committee.

A request was also made that faith and race hate crime figures be presented separately.

In relation to the possible three police station closures in Southwark, it was noted that these would be considered as part of the estate strategy informal meeting being scheduled for members.

63. Electoral offences in London following the local elections of May 2006

(Agenda item 14)

Following a request by members, a report was received that provided the details on electoral offences in London following the local elections of May 2006. Members welcomed the report and noted the ongoing investigations of possible electoral fraud. Members noted the timescales for any possible prosecutions.

Confirmation was given that postal voting had increased the opportunities for fraud, although it was noted that the Electoral Administration Act 2006 should help to reduce this. The MPS agreed that the use of counter terrorism command in this matter would need to be addressed as it could send out mixed messages.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

64. Indemnity scheme for members

(Agenda item 16)

An Indemnity Scheme for members was presented for adoption. It was noted that although it was being recommended that delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive and Solicitor on granting indemnities, any refusals to fund would be referred to the Co-ordination and Policing Committee.

Resolved – That

1. the Indemnity Scheme attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and
2. that delegated authority be given to the Deputy Chief Executive and Solicitor to the Authority, as set out in the Scheme and in paragraphs 14 and 15 of the report.

65. Report of the Standards Committee

(Agenda item 17)

A report on matters arising from the meeting of the MPA’s Standards Committee was presented to the Authority was received. This included a request that the Authority to amend the Standards Committee terms of reference. It was agreed that the Committee be asked to revisit guidance on behaviour and use of language.

Resolved – That

1. the Authority receive the report of the Standards Committee; and
2. the Standards Committee’s terms of reference be amended to include monitoring of the Authority’s response to the Freedom of Information Act.

66. Application for settlement of Employment Tribunal

(Additional item)

The Chair agreed to receive an urgent (exempt) item on an application for settlement of an employment tribunal, as a decision was required urgently in order reach a settlement.

Resolved – That

1. members agree the request to settle the employment tribunal not exceeding the amount outlined in the report; and
2. following settlement, a further report be received on the lessons learned from this claim in order to avoid similar situations in the future.

The meeting ended at 1.36 pm

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