Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 27 May 2010 at Chamber, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA.

Present

Members

• Kit Malthouse (Chairman)
• Jennette Arnold
• John Biggs (items 5-8)
• Reshard Auladin (Vice Chairman)
• Faith Boardman
• Christopher Boothman
• Victoria Borwick
• Cindy Butts
• James Cleverly
• Dee Doocey (items 1-5)
• Toby Harris
• Neil Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Clive Lawton (items 1-5)
• Joanne McCartney
• Steve O’Connell
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Graham Speed
• Richard Tracey

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Jane Harwood (Deputy Chief Executive)
• Bob Atkins (Treasurer)

MPS officers

• Sir Paul Stephenson (Commissioner)
• Tim Godwin (Deputy Commissioner).

91. Apologies for absence and announcements

(Agenda item 1)

91.1 Apologies for absence were received from Valerie Brasse and Kirsten Hearn. John Biggs apologised for lateness.

92. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

92.1 Reshard Auladin declared a prejudicial interest in item 8 and withdrew from the meeting during consideration of this item.

93. Minutes: 25 March 2010

(Agenda item 3)

93.1 Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 25 February 2010.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 25 March 2010 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

94. Chairman’s Update

(Agenda item 4)

94.1 The Chairman informed the Authority of a number of meetings/events that he had attended since the last meeting of the Authority these included: a meeting with the Office for Security and Counter Terrorism, attendance at the Stephen Lawrence remembrance evening, several meetings with various staff and trade unions involved in the MPS, and chairing the London Violence Against Women and Girls Panel. He added that he had also met with the Independent Police Complaints Commission to discuss ongoing cases and had also met the new ministerial team at the Home Office.

94.2 Following the formation of the new coalition Government, members asked the Chairman to comment on the future of the MPA.

94.3 The Chairman confirmed that he thought that it was important that there was a democratic link between the public and the police and highlighted proposals in political party manifestos. He added that the Mayor’s office had proposed a split between the scrutiny and executive functions of the Authority with the establishment of an executive board and the scrutiny function falling to the GLA. The Chairman was not clear at this stage if this change would be brought about under the Policing Bill or the Local Devolution Bill, but did expect structural changes within 12-18 months.

94.4 In response to members questions about the makeup of the proposed board, the Chairman stated that specific details were not available at this time, but he stated that there was the possibility that there might be scope for the Mayor to have the right to appoint both elected GLA members to a board and independent members for their specific skills set. The Chairman was aware of members concerns about the MPA functioning during this period and he was confident that as dedicated public servants members and staff would continue their good work

94.5 He informed members that he would be issuing a statement in response to the APA’s position on ‘directly elected individuals’ as well meeting with Home Office ministers to discuss future oversight and he agreed to keep the Authority fully informed.

Resolved - That the report be received.

95. Commissioner’s Report

(Agenda item 5)

Performance issues

95.1 The Commissioner presented a report summarising the progress against strategic outcomes featured in the 2010-13 Policing London Business Plan. The report highlighted the approach to delivery against the corporate objectives and identified key operational initiatives designed to deliver a safer city of all London’s communities.

95.2 The Commissioner reported that crime continued to fall with public confidence rising and that total offences were at their lowest level since 1998/99. He highlighted the reductions in homicide and homicides caused by a knife or sharp instrument and a reduction in serious violence and burglary. While confidence and satisfaction was improving, he added that there remained a work to be done to maintain and improve these levels. He confirmed that the MPS were working with the MPS-BPA to address the victim satisfaction gap between white and BME victims of crime.

95.4 The Commissioner also outlined a number of areas of concerns including, gun crime which had showed an increase compared with last year, knife crime, rape and youth violence. On the latter, the Commissioner stated that he was concerned that from a significant reduction there were signs of an increase. The Commissioner confirmed that in response to this the MPS would maintain use of Operation Blunt 2, using stop and search and knife arches and scanners. In doing so, the Commissioner highlighted the impotence of the MPS working with partners including support from schools, colleagues and communities and the importance of courts issuing significant custodial sentences which he felt would act as a deterrent to this type of crime.

95.5 In conclusion to his report the Commissioner referred to the new government’s proposed budget proposals and the challenging and uncertain times ahead. He confirmed that he would be looking to maintain current police officer numbers, but was aware of other agencies such as TfL and local authorities possibly looking at the extra officers that they support. He also commented on the unique challenges London faces with the Olympics and national counter-terrorism both of which could see reductions in budget.

Issues raised by members

95.6 Members had submitted a number of questions in advance of the meeting.

Cyclist

95.7 Following the growth of the Mayor’s cycling scheme and the decision to encourage more cyclists onto Superhighways members asked how the MPS were going to ensure that cyclists adhered to traffic laws, including not jumping red lights, riding dangerously on pavements, and treating other road with respect.

95.8 Members were informed that the Traffic Operational Command Unit (TOCU) was working closely with partners such as TfL on both security and safety of cyclist on roads. They were also working closely with Safer Neighbourhood Teams in undertaking cycling enforcement campaigns to attempt to deter poor cyclist behaviour. Regarding enforcement officers he confirmed that fixed penalty notices were issued and that this was coupled with a revocation scheme whereby that notice could be discontinued if the offender takes part in a cycle safety presentation. He was confident that this sent a message that it was not just about fining people but about obeying laws that would keep them safe. He added that Traffic OCU was in the final stage of developing a rider improvement scheme and that TfL had prepared enforcement proposals for cyclist superhighways that would deal with both cyclist and motorist behaviour.

Dangerous dogs

95.9 Members asked the questions relating dangerous dogs. In particular, the Commissioner was asked what action was being taken to lobby the Government for law changes to deal with seized dangerous dogs which are currently costing the MPS and the taxpayer millions of pounds to provide kennels while legal channels are cleared.

95.10 The Commissioner acknowledged that there were differing views on this subject by members of the Authority, but he did not feel that there was a need for significant changes to legislation to deal with dangerous dogs. He added that he felt that the MPS could not deal with this problem alone and it required greater partnership working between statutory and welfare organisations. The Commissioner outlined the work of the Status Dog Unit and its work on educating people about dog ownership. However, he raised concerns about the cost implications this has on the MPS and whilst not wanting to see the inhumane treatment of animals and dogs there was a need to work with other agencies including those in the Criminal Justice System to ensure proper disposal.

VIP Security

95.11 Following the new Prime Minister decision to dispense with police outriders members asked if this saving be extended to other "VIPs". The Commissioner was asked if he could confirm the total cost to the MPS of protecting VIPs.

95.12 The Commissioner stated that it would be in appropriate to comment on security arrangements for protected persons. Regarding costs, the Commissioner confirmed that he was keen for proper remuneration to the MPA/MPS for security and that he was confident that both organisations would continue to press for this.

Vulnerable adults

95.13 Clarification was asked of what training do police officers receive on working with vulnerable adults?

95.14 The Commissioner informed members that the MPS aimed to provide the highest possible standards of care, with officers training that included how to recognise, secure and provide additional assistance for victims and witnesses. Other training included a focus on the need to provide a quality of service to the individual based on their needs and particular assessment, on-going training such as how to recognise and manage risks around vulnerable suspects in custody and how to best serve those suffering from substance abuse or in need of psychiatric help.

95.15 Members asked if following the Fiona Pilkington case had the MPS reviewed how they deal with vulnerable adults. The Deputy Commissioner stated that the MPS had put in place systems that better identified repeat victims and repeat callers around antisocial behaviour. He added that in relation to further vulnerable adult training, a key driver had been the ‘Bradley Report’, which looked into diversions of offenders with mental health problems or learning disabilities away from prison into other more appropriate services. Arising from this it has become clear that training on the role of police officers and greater awareness of mental health issues was required and this now forms part of the training programme.

95.16 The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the MPS received a considerable amount of anti social behaviour calls in monthly period. He suggested that a report could go to the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee that could also include details on how the MPS through Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Designated Decision Makers and Borough Operational Command Units identify and support vulnerable adults.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams/ Police Liaison Groups

95.17 Members asked the Commissioner what budgets are available for the marketing/promotion of Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Police Liaison Groups, what was the total budget for this and what were the outturn figures for the last three financial years?

95.18 The Commissioner reminded members of the recent research that had been undertaken by Betsy Stanko the MPS’ Senior Advisor for Strategic Analysis, which had identified engagement as the key issue for most people. With this in mind, the Commissioner confirmed that funds for promotion and marketing of Safer Neighbourhood teams were available at the corporate and local level. He confirmed that at a local level this was between £19,000-£27,000 per BOCU, so approximately £270,000 across the MPS. Borough Commanders had delegated responsibility for how they used and managed this funding. The Commissioner added that from centrally managed budgets an additional £100,000 was available for London-wide projects, such as the recent promotion of the London-wide Youth Scrutiny. In relation to outturn figures, the Commissioner informed members that current financial systems were not set up to provide these in detail, however, officers were working on a solution whereby these figures can be produced.

PCSOs

95.19 Members drew the Commissioners attention to recent comments from Sir Hugh Orde that:

‘PCSOs came in to reassure the public by being highly visible 90 per cent of the time. But there are cases in some forces where they are used as front office staff, within custody suites or for traffic. The moment you start allowing mission creep and moving people out of those roles you actually devalue the brand.

When they are not on the street they are not doing what we asked to have them for." "The point is they are stepping away from their core role."

95.20 Members asked can the Commissioner if he could confirm if he agrees with Sir Hugh comments and confirm what roles PCSOs undertake in the MPS currently. The Commissioner was also asked if he was against ‘mission creep’ for the PCSOs in terms of them being given roles in which they are not highly visible.

95.21 The Commissioner reiterated the important role that PCSO played, particularly within Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) and highlighted the effect that, as part of SNTs, PCSO had had following their deployment onto the streets and housing estates, which he felt was reflected in the current confidence figures. He added that he was confident that PCSOs in the MPS were being used for their primary purpose and that the Home Office would be making sure that the MPS were using the money ring fenced for PCSOs in accordance with their rules. However, he felt that that ring fencing was wrong, particularly as there was now a more difficult budgetary regime and he would be pressing Government to stop ring fencing in order for the MPS to make sensible budget decisions for London. The Commissioner did confirm that whilst the majority of PCSOs are based in Safer Neighbourhood Teams a small number of additional Community Safety Officers are employed to work at front counters and victim-contact roles which was in line with Home Office guidance. He informed members that during 2009/10 the abstraction rate had been as low as 1.73% which showed that commitments to SNT remained. Members asked about possible reductions of 5% at borough levels. The Chairman informed members that staffing was not devolved to borough commanders.

95.22 In response to members questions about the role of SNT and public transport and in particular a possible uniformed presence on buses, the Commissioner stated that he could not comment on the level of detail on this matter, but he did support a level of uniformed presence, but specifically to support people in need and make people feel safe.

Road deaths/casualties

95.23 Following the recent HMIC report in March which gave the MPS a ‘poor’ rating for reducing road deaths and casualties, but improving, members asked what actions are being taken to improve in this area.

95.24 The Commissioner expressed disappointment at the rating and the manner in which HMIC grades performance by direct comparison between peer forces. He felt that this was unfair as there is no proper comparison with London. The Commissioner stated that progress over the last few years on reducing roads deaths had seen a greater reduction and injury per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled than other similar forces and therefore to describe the MPS as actively poor, he felt was misleading. The Commissioner agreed that current number of road deaths was unacceptable and outlined a number of way that the MPS and partners were trying to improve this issue including: improving road engineering; vehicle engineer; and enforcement activity by the police etc. He added that resources had to be proportionate with other responsibilities, but the MPS did not underestimate this issue.

95.25 Arising from the discussion, members asked if a risk assessment analysis of reducing deaths on the roads by proper traffic policing versus solving or preventing other crimes such as murders had been undertaken. This may indicate how resources are allocated between various risks. The Commissioner agreed to consider this.

Papal visit

95.26 Members asked for details of cost of the forthcoming Papal visit. The Commissioner confirmed that estimated costs were £1.8 million of which approximately £0.8 would be opportunity costs. He added that at this stage these were very much early estimated costs.

DNA databases

95.27 Members asked if a directive would be issued to require that when a case against someone is dropped or they are acquitted, they are provided with information about how to apply for their DNA to be removed from the national database?

95.28 The Deputy Commissioner outlined the National DNA Database rules and highlighted how they apply for the removal of profiles. He also briefly outlined how the Scottish model worked and agreed to circulate a note to members on this that provided more details. Members were also informed that the previous policing bill was going to change the DNA database with the aim of having a six year retention profile. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that current arrangements for removal were publicised on websites, but agreed that these should be more explicit. Members noted that a number of other police forces had faster removal rates that the MPS and that they had used leaflets to publicise how to remove DNA from data bases. The Deputy Commissioner agreed that this is something that could be looked at, but added that the MPS were keen to move away from paper, printing and photocopying which had cost implications.

Centralised HR computer system

95.29 Members asked for an update on the implementation of the new centralised HR computer system. They also asked the Commissioner to comment on what action is planned in response to the problems with the system and the project going over budget?

95.30 The Commissioner provided members with an update on the implementation of the new centralised HR computer system. He stated that the decision not to launch it 31 May had been disappointing, but had been based on the need to undertake further testing and to make sure that the system was robust and reliable. He confirmed that the MPS were working closely with partners to ensure that additional costs were kept to a minimum and that the Authority would be kept inform of this and he added that by developing this system there would be considerable costs saving per annum. It was now anticipated that the whole system would be implemented during the second half of this year.

Special Constables

95.31 Members asked what role did the Commissioner see for Special Constables (MSC) as a pathway in the recruitment of police officers.

95.32 The Deputy Commissioner reminded members that a report would be presented to a future meeting of the Authority on this matter. However, he informed members that police forces are one of the few organisations that take raw recruits and provide a considerable amount of training, which can be costly. Some police forces had now implemented a further education college partnership whereby individuals who wish to join as a police officer had to first apply to take the course and if they qualify they obtain a certificate of police studies and are then taken into the police service. This sees a cost reduction as they have already obtained the necessary knowledge relating to matters of law and procedure. However, having reviewed this practice whilst there are cost benefits the MPS had identified through an equalities impact assessment it could have a disproportionate effect on BME communities in terms of access to further education and cost, as well as the amount of time in terms of fulltime education. Therefore proposals to that use MSC were being considered. .

95.33 Arising from this, the Deputy Commissioner informed members that the MPS had looked at the way in which it used its volunteers and in particular, special constables. The MPS had the highest recruit rate of both BME communities and women joining the special constabulary and the main reason many joined is that they felt it gave them the opportunity to assess if being a police officer was for them. The MPS recognised that this presented the organisation with opportunities including getting to know people before they joined and to be able to train them in their time at the same time as maintaining the ethos of volunteering. Whilst seeing this as an opportunity, the Deputy Commissioner was keen to point out that there remained a number of challenges, he also outlined wastage rate in probation and possible savings if this option is pursed. Members asked the Deputy Commissioner to confirm that in future the primary way of becoming a police officer was to become a volunteer. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that it would be, but was keen to point out that there were a number of issues that had to be addressed before this took place and that these would be included in the future report to the Authority.

Other questions

Satisfaction levels

95.34 At both this and previous meetings the Commissioner had mentioned current satisfaction levels between white and BME individuals and members acknowledged this as a commitment in both an understanding of the issues and the need to seek improvements. However, at a previous Communities, Equalities and people Committee there had been an indication that targets and measurements of this were not going to change. The Commissioner informed members that his general view was that the more targets that were set the less priorities there were and he felt there were too many targets. However, he felt that the performance indicator of disparity remained important and it was his aim to reduce disparity. The Deputy Commissioner added that through the work being undertaken with the MPS BPA considerable recourses and interaction were in place within neighbourhoods that have a higher satisfaction gap.

Knife arches

95.35 As part of his report and when discussing knife crime the Commissioner referred to knife arches being deployed in some schools and colleges. As this appeared to be a departure from previous MPS policy members asked for further details and in particular if any consultation had taken place.

95.36 The Commissioner confirmed that knife arches and scanners had been in some schools on a selective basis for some time and with the full cooperation of those schools. He added that a key driver for this had been following various surveys with young people there was a desire for aches/scanners to be in place. The Deputy Commissioner also added that prior to the recent tragedies the MPS had invited a number of schools to meet with the MPS but regrettably there had been very little take up. Whist he understood that schools could be concerned about image, he was concerned that messages may not be getting through and possibly there was something wrong with partnership working. He reminded members that following the launch of Blunt 2, the aim had been to create a perception to those who may carry weapons in the street that it was a hostile environment and that you were likely to get caught and the aim of a highly visibility is to act as a deterrent. It was agreed that a report should be presented to a future meeting of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee on the wider impacts of Blunt 2.

Anonymity in rape cases

95.37 Members asked the Commissioner for a view regarding proposed Government changes for anonymity for alleged offenders in rape cases. The Commissioner stated that he had not been asked for a view on this proposal and that he thought a view may have been sought from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). He added that while it was for the Government to make the decision he would hope the MPS would be able to inform that debate properly agreed to circulate to members ACPO position.

Dangerous dogs

95.38 It was suggested that there was not a need for new legislation regarding dangerous dogs but further consideration of managing resources and for current legislation to be changed as so not to focus on what the breed the dog was but for it to provide a better mechanism for dealing with them. The Commission agreed that current legislation was confusing; however, it was clear that a large number of seized dogs were of a pit-bull type breed and the MPS were clear about seizing dogs that were dangerously out of control as opposed from type or breed. The Chairman added that the GLA position was that legislation should be slightly changed as to reflect cost and resources and not to focus on breeds. He added, however, that there was an understanding that certain breeds are chosen to be used as weapons.

VIP Security

95.39 Following from previous questions on VIP security and possible reductions, members asked the Commissioner to comment on the impact this could have on personal protection officers. The Commissioner reiterated that he was unable to go into specific details. However, he was confident that protection officers would be in a position to make difficult and balanced decisions.

95.40 Members also asked about resourcing diplomatic protection. The Commissioner confirmed that the Home Office have provided the Authority funding by virtue of its capital city functions. He added that he did not feel that this funding was adequate, but also confirmed that each situation is fully discussed and not imposed on the MPS.

Funding sources

95.41 In light of possible reductions in public expenditure and possible impacts on PCSO funding by local authorities, members asked the Commissioner how the MPS would react to requests from communities for additional support. The Commissioner stated that it was his aim to cooperate with the community and engage in ways with making their communities safer. In doing so, he stated that the MPS would be supportive of legitimate sources of further revenue that could be sustained over a long period but would have to be confident that that funding would not be suddenly withdrawn.

Commissioner report

95.42 Some members raised concerns about the new format of the report, suggesting that it was not strategic and whilst quite rightly contain good news stories; it should include consequential earning for the MPS. It was also suggested that whilst the KPI information in the report was informative as the target percentage reduction to baseline provision of a baseline figure would be helpful.

Budget Planning

95.43 In light of possible future final restraints and challenges that he MPS would face, members asked the Commissioner to comment on whether the MPS should be planning for a three to five year productivity improvement plan, including developing value for money frameworks.

95.44 The Commissioner supported the suggestions of a three to five year productivity improvement plan, including developing value for money frameworks and would be looking to work with the MPA in there development. He added that he had particular concerns regarding possible reduction in the Olympic budget. He also agreed that there was a need to focus on measuring outcomes.

95.45 Arising from these discussion members also asked the Commissioner that as part of the budget planning process and as there are likely to be reductions that the Authority are fully engaged in having early sight of proposals. Members also asked the Chairman of as part of the budget process if he would look a ‘zero budgeting’. The Commissioner agreed that early consultation with the Authority was important and that he needed to consider how best that that could be achieved. The Chairman agreed that ‘zero budgeting’ should be considered.

Officers on restrictive duties

95.46 The Commissioner was asked to comment on the apparent difference between boroughs with officers on restrictive duties and what lessons had been learned from those borough that were performing well in driving down the number of officers on restricted duties. The Commissioner informed members that the MPS were one of the top performing forces in minimising the number of officers on restrictive duties. He added that specific boroughs were being targeted to reduce the numbers on restricted duty and work had been undertaken to capture best practice. He did not support members’ suggestion that there should be a pool of officers on restrictive duties as he felt that everybody needed to perform a vital role. It was agreed that the Authority received a briefing note on this issue.

State opening of Parliament

95.47 Members asked the Commissioner to comment the removal of the ‘democracy village’ in Parliament Square. The Commissioner stated that there were a number of complexities around Parliament Square. He felt that it was not an issue of who has responsibility for it, but Government agreeing what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in that area. He added that he would like to record his thanks to the officers for the professional handling in the removal of those on the Square and added that he could not comment on specific individuals as some had been charged.

Resolved – That the report be received.

96 Met Forward – one year on

(Agenda item 6)

96.1 Members received a report that highlighted the progress of the Met Forward Programme, the MPA’s three year strategic mission, one year on and that set out the next stage.

Resolved – That the report be received.

97 Treasury Management Policy Statement 2010/11

(Agenda item 7)

97.1 In line with both CIPFA Code of Practice and MPA standing orders, a report was considered that set out for approval the Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2010/11

Resolved - That the Treasury Management Policy Statement 2010/11 be approved.

98. Reports from committees

(Agenda item 8)

98.1 The Authority received a report outlining key issues that had been considered at recent Authority Committee meetings. The report covered the following meetings:

• Joint Strategic and Operational Policing/Finance and Resources Committees – 18 March 2010
• Finance and Resources Committee- 18 March 2010
• Corporate Governance Committee 22 March 2010
• Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 1 April 2010
• Finance and Resources Committee – 22 April 2010

98.3 Reshard Auladin declared a prejudicial interest in item 8 and withdrew from the meeting during this item.

98.3 Regarding the report from the Standards Committee members were asked to agree a recommendation regarding amending the MPA members allowance scheme.

Resolved – That

1. 1. the reports from Committees be noted; and
2. 2. the members allowance scheme be amended to:
   1. provide an SRA allowance for the position of Vice Chairman of the Authority and that that allowance be the same as that of a chairman of a committee (currently £11,641); and
   2. the position of Vice Chairman can claim one further SRA if also a chairman of either a committee or a sub-committee’.

99. Any other urgent business

(Agenda item 9)

99.1 There were no items of urgent business

The meeting closed at 12.40 pm.

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