Report by the MPA Civil Liberties Panel on the policing of public protest: an update report on the recommendations from the CLP review 'Responding to G20'

Report: 5
Date: 12 January 2012
By: Chief Executive

Summary

The CLP’s first review into the policing of the G20 protests, Responding to G20, was published in March 2010 and included 22 recommendations, all of which were accepted by MPA Full Authority. The recommendations are organised into the following themes: training and organisational learning; supervision; communication and engagement; engaging with the media; command and control; tactics and equipment.

The attached report by the MPA Civil Liberties Panel (CLP) examines the changes to policing public protest against these recommendations. The policing of the riots in London during August 2011 is subject to a number of separate reviews by the MPS and other organisations. The riots are not explicitly addressed within this report which is concerned with facilitating peaceful protest rather than policing large scale criminal activity.

A. Recommendations

That Members

1. Members are requested to note the attached report.

B. Supporting information

1. The MPA Civil Liberties Panel (‘the Panel’) was established in 2009 as a means of improving public confidence in policing and ensuring the Metropolitan Police Service maintains public trust.

2. The first topic examined by the Panel was the policing of public protest following the G20 Summit in April 2009. The final review, Responding to G20 and recommendations were accepted by MPA Full Authority in March 2010.

3. The Panel has examined MPS progress against the Civil Liberties Panel recommendations relating to the policing of public protest, to establish the extent to which the MPS is facilitating peaceful protest whilst at the same time taking a robust approach to violence. The MPS have been engaged throughout the review and contributed throughout the report drafting process.

4. The review highlights a considerable shift in the MPS approach to facilitating peaceful protest. Whilst no formal recommendations are made within the report, a number of areas for further improvements have been identified which the Panel believes would support the MPS in continuing to meet the challenge of respecting the public’s right to peaceful protest whilst ensuring a robust approach to tackling crime and disorder.

C. Other organisational and community implications

Equality and Diversity Impact

1. The review by the CLP addresses a number of equality and diversity related issues. For example, when developing strategies and tactics, planners need to recognise the potentially different needs of protesters, particularly where there are children, older and disabled people present. Frontline police officers need to be able to identify potentially vulnerable people if containment is used, and to use their discretion when deciding to let people through cordons.

2. Met Forward

The Civil Liberties Panel falls under the Met Specialist category within Met Forward. The CLP is a standing panel that meets as the need arises.

3. Financial Implications

The Panel was supported by MPA staff, as part of business as usual.

4. Legal Implications

This report is presented for information only, therefore there are no direct legal implications arising.

5. Environmental Implications

There are no environmental implications identified at this time

6. Risk Implications

The nature of public protest is changing rapidly and the Authority has sought to ensure that the MPS has the flexibility and resources to adapt and respond accordingly. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPC) will need to develop appropriate mechanisms to ensure such oversight continues over this important aspect of policing.

D. Background papers

None

E. Contact details

Report authors: Shirani Gunawardena, Policy Development Officer, MPA

For more information contact:

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

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