Minutes

Minutes of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 19 April 2001 at Harvey Goodwin Room, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1.

Present

• Toby Harris (Chair)
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair)
• Peter Herbert (Deputy Chair)

Members

• Jennette Arnold
• Anthony Arbour
• Reshard Auladin
• Cindy Butts
• Roger Evans
• Lynne Featherstone
• Nicky Gavron
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Darren Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Nicholas Long
• Cecile Lothian
• R David Muir
• Sir John Quinton
• Angela Slaven
• Richard Sumray
• Graham Tope
• Abdal Ullah
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA staff

• Catherine Crawford (Clerk)
• Peter Martin (Treasurer)
• Nick Baker (Secretariat)

MPS staff

• Sir John Stevens (Commissioner)
• Ian Blair (Deputy Commissioner)
• Keith Luck (Director of Resources)

In addition approximately 76 members of the press/public and other MPA/MPS staff were also present.

Part 1

127. Apologies

(Agenda item 1)

No apologies were received.

128. Minutes: 8 March 2001

(Agenda item 2)

Resolved:
that the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 8 March 2001 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

129. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 3)

The Authority received the approved minutes (previously circulated) of the following committee meetings: Professional Standards and Performance Monitoring Committee dated 13 February 2001 and 13 March 2001, Human Resources Committee dated 15 March 2001, Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee dated 20 February and 20 March 2001, Consultation, Diversity and Outreach Committee dated 27 February 2001 and the Co-ordination and Urgency Committee dated 25 January 2001.

Resolved:
that the minutes be received.

130. Petitions

(Agenda item 4)

It was reported that the Authority had received two petitions from residents of Kingston and New Malden asking the Commissioner to re-open the front counter at New Malden Police Station and from residents of Richmond upon Thames seeking the re-opening of a help desk in Barnes before Barnes Police Station is disposed of.

In accordance with the Authority's Standing Orders, the petitions were formally presented to the Authority and representatives of those residents that had signed those petitions; Councillor S Amson (Kingston upon Thames) and Councillor Tom Harris (Richmond upon Thames) were invited to address the Authority for five minutes each.

The petitioners, in response to questions from Members, confirmed that residents, while they would prefer a visible presence of police officers in these areas, would support the re-opening of the front counters with volunteers.

The Commissioner informed Members that the front counter at New Malden Police Station would be opened in one form or another and that provision in the Barnes area would be looked at.

The Chair clarified that petitions received by the Authority would not always necessarily receive an immediate response on the subject on the day in question.

Resolved:
that the petitions be received.

131. Use of volunteers to staff MPS station front counters

(Agenda item 5)

The Authority considered a report that provided information on the use of volunteers to staff police station front counters.

The report outlined details of current initiatives being undertaken in boroughs currently using volunteers, and the creation of a new MPS post of co-ordinator for Volunteers in Policing. The Deputy Commissioner also informed Members that the MPS were looking at the whole approach to volunteering, not only in supporting front counter activities, but also in other areas of supporting the MPS, acknowledging that volunteers are not a replacement for full time staff.

Members welcomed the use of volunteers at police station front counters, but expressed the need for further details on such issues as training, insurance, supervision, confidentiality and sustainability. Members suggested that account of recent European regulations relating to working with volunteers need to be adhered to and that liaison with such organisations as the National Council of Voluntary Organisation be undertaken when considering this issue. Members also suggested that the MPS should acknowledge local initiatives being undertaken in some areas and where possible avoid bureaucracy in relation to how volunteers operate.

Members requested a workshop on using volunteers to support the work of the MPS, the workshop also look at the issue of the 'wider policing family' and developing front counters as 'one stop shops'.

Resolved:

1. a further report be presented to a future meeting of the Authority following the completion of the feasibility study on the use of volunteers in police stations; and
2. a workshop for Members on the use of volunteers in police stations and the 'wider policing family' be arranged.

132. Chair's and members' update

(Agenda item 6)

The Chair updated Members on recent key activities which included: the signing of a partnership with trade unions; APA activities; attendance at the GLA question time answering questions of policing issues; a meeting with members of the family of Rikki Reel; chairing the conference on Recommendation 61; speaking on behalf of the MPA at the London Crime Stoppers Annual Dinner; involvement at the Effective and Efficiency Review Steering Group and attendance at a Tri- lateral meeting with the Home Secretary, Lord Bassam, Sir John Quinton and the Commissioner.

The Chair also informed the Authority that he had held discussion with the Board of Transport for London (TfL) and suggested that there needed to be a formal member to member interface with TfL

The Chair suggested that Members submit to the Committee Section a list of their key activities between meetings for inclusion on future agenda.

Resolved:

1. the report be received;
2. Members forward to the Committee Section a list of their key activities between meetings for inclusion on future agenda; and
3. arrangements be made for a formal member to member interface with TfL.

133. Commissioner's update

(Agenda item 7)

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, Sir John Stevens, gave the Authority an update on the following developments and current issues:

Recent Bombing in London

The Commissioner reported details of the recent bombing in North London and the current high state of alert. The Commissioner also recommended that Members attend a controlled event to see the effects of even a small amount semtex.

Members joined the Commissioner in condemning this incident.

Murder at Euston Station

The Commissioner updated Members on the murder of a woman at Euston Station. It was reported that two people have been arrested.

May Day

The Commissioner thanked the Authority and other agencies, including the Mayor for their continuing support in relation to the potential civil disputes. Members would continued to be updated on this issue

Operation Trident

It was reported that the team had arrested a man suspected of several shootings. The operational team had also been involved in the recovery of weapons in south west London. The Commissioner confirmed that the team had been working closely with other police services in Britain and abroad.

National Front demonstration

The Commissioner reported details of a recent National Front demonstration held in Bermondsey, south-east London. It was noted that some Members had attended the policing of this demonstration or the control room at New Scotland Yard. The Commissioner reported that following intelligence reports, policing of this event had been trebled and he also informed Members that these organisations were keen to see such demonstration banned in order to gain publicity through the courts and press.

The Commissioner outlined his powers in relation to banning such events and Members suggested that legislation relating to the banning of such demonstrations perhaps needed to be revised by the Home Secretary in order to fall into line with other European countries.

Access of family to inquiry

Following a request from a Member, the Deputy Commissioner explained why a member of a family had not been allowed access to act as an interpreter following a recent murder in Tower Hamlets. It was noted that there was an inquiry being undertaken regarding this incident and the Deputy Commissioner did not wish to pre-empt this, but stipulated that it was not normal practice to allow members of a family to potential murder scenes and that officers had to make a judgement. The Deputy Commissioner undertook to forward further details to the Member following the inquiry, if required.

Operation Strongbox

The Commissioner updated the Authority of the current work undertaken by Operation Strongbox and in particular the impact of Operation Victory in the City of Westminster.

Resolved:
that the report be received.

134. Proposed 2001/02 allocation of funding for police community consultative groups and lay (custody) visiting

(Agenda item 8)

The Authority received a report that outlined the process used for the evaluation and allocation of funding for Police Community Consultative Groups (PCCGs) and Lay (Independent Custody) Visiting Panels. It was noted that the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee at its meeting held on 17 April 2001 had considered this report and were seeking endorsement of the recommended allocations from the Authority.

Members acknowledged that through pilots schemes, next year quality assurance of the process and the product would be developed to ensure a corporate approach and value for money.

Members thanked the officers concerned for their work on this issue.

Resolved:
that the Authority endorses the recommended allocation as agreed by the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee at its meeting on 17 April 2001.

135. Recruitment and retention

(Agenda item 9)

The Authority considered a report that updated Members on the current issues relating to the recruitment and retention of police officers and civil staff in the MPS.

With regard to police officers it was reported that at the end of the current financial year (31 March 2001) there was a shortfall of 170 police officers.

It was reported that there had been a steady improvement in recruiting performance since the beginning of the year. Enquiries had risen from 2,092 in April 2000 and 4,629 in July 2000 to 9,345 in January 2001 7,405 in February 2001 and 6, 214 in March 2001. This increase in interest was attributed to the recent national recruitment campaign funded by the Home Office and recent initiatives such as the increase in the rate of pay for new recruits and free rail travel for police officers in and around London. It was noted that to maintain this level of interest the MPS had established a Careers Advisory Team who would initiate and attend a range of recruiting opportunities.

It was acknowledged that improvements needed to be made in the time taken to process applications (currently six months). To facilitate this process and to deal with the large amount of interest being expressed, the MPS were addressing in-house accommodation difficulties. It was also noted that human resource information technology systems and packages were in the process of being updated.

The report informed Members that there is currently an 8 per cent vacancy rate for civil staff. In response to civil staff vacancies the Civil Staff Recruitment Unit was established in February 2000 and there have been several specific recruitment campaigns for civil staff. In addition, Members were informed of a more corporate approach to support local recruitment needs.

Members reiterated the importance of reducing the current time for processing applications and requested that following high profile recruitment campaigns, the MPS ensure that forward planning is undertaken to ensure that adequate resources are made to facilitate the application process. In relation to retention, Members highlighted the importance of working conditions, particularly those in police stations.

The Commissioner was asked that his next report on recruitment and retention give further details of feedback on why staff, particularly women, black, and minority staff leave the service; details of how the MPS are aiming to meet Home Office targets for recruiting black and ethnic minority officers; and feedback that is given to unsuccessful candidates. Members also requested that the report give details of long-term retention strategies, including improvements in current conditions.

Members also suggested that further consideration should be given to holding in the near future a joint MPA/MPS conference on recruitment and retention.

Resolved:

1. the report be noted;
2. that the next report on recruitment and retention give further details of feedback on why staff, particularly women, black, and minority staff leave the service; how the MPS are aiming to meet Home Office targets for recruiting black and ethnic minority officers; feedback that is given to unsuccessful candidates; and details of long-term retention strategies, including improvements in current conditions.

136. Retention of police officers after 30 years service

(Agenda item 10)

The Authority considered a report that outlined the implications of retaining officers beyond 30 years service and of re-employing retired officers.

The report informed Members that neither the Police Regulations or Police Pensions Regulations preclude the re-employment of police officers who have retired with 30 years service and that other police services have occasionally re-employed retired officers, but not directly back into the job that they had retired from.

Members were informed that work was being carried out within the Home Office on the issue of providing incentives to encourage officers to remain in service after 30 years, however, the Home Office had indicated that should this issue become regular practice HM Treasury and Inland Revenue would be likely to seek a change to Regulations.

The Treasurer, in relation to financial implications of retaining officers after 30 years, indicated that there could be expenditure on pensions commutations being incurred earlier than otherwise is the case.

Members were also informed that other issues relating to re-employment would have to be considered such as general fitness of those officers being retained or re-employed.

Members agreed that a further report on the MPA piloting a scheme of retaining officers after 30 years on short term contracts be presented to a future meeting.

Resolved:

1. the report be noted;
2. dialogue should continue with the Home Office to achieve greater flexibility in the Police Pensions Regulations to encourage officers to remain or rejoin after 30 years service; and
3. a further report on the MPA piloting a scheme of retaining officers after 30 years on short term contracts be presented to a future meeting.

137. Special constabulary

(Agenda item 11)

At the Full Authority meeting held in March 2001, Members commissioned a report on the work of the Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC).

Members welcomed John Barradell, Chief Commandant of MSC and received a report that gave details of the MSC, including the current numbers of special officers (744). It was noted that of these 744 officers, 213, were women and 134 came from minority ethnic communities and that on average these officers were performing in the region of 220 hours of police activity each year. Most of this work is involves local crime and disorder issues.

The report discussed the recruitment programme for special constables and it was noted that a target of 1,200 was being sought by 2004. Confirmation was given that there was a decline nationally in volunteers, but existing volunteers were committing more time to this work. It was reported that approximately 1 in 5 special officers become police officers.

Members welcomed the report and in particular the high number of members of ethnic minority community who are volunteering.

Resolved:
that the report be noted.

138. Civil staff pay review

(Agenda item 12)

The Authority considered a report that summarised the developments in respect of civil staff pay and grading following the approval of an additional £22 million in the MPS's budget for civil staff pay.

It was noted that a more comprehensive paper had been drafted and would be presented to the Human Resources Committee (HR) later on 19 April 2001.

In acknowledging that the HR Committee would discuss this paper further, Members raised questions on the provision of contingency funds, concern relating to the zones for receipt of location allowances and disappointment that additional support work would come from the additional £22 million made available.

The Chair confirmed that in relation to the contingency fund, it was acknowledged that this issue would be looked at in due course. In relation to the support work being drawn from the allocation it was confirmed that this was due to there not being, at present, a suitable budget for it to be drawn from.

Resolved:

1. Members note the report; and
2. the detailed consideration of this issues be considered by the Human Resources Committee.

139. Feedback from Police Stops conference

(Agenda item 13)

The Authority considered a report that gave feedback on the recently held MPA conference (in consultation with the MPS) to consult with its communities on Recommendation 61 of the Lawrence Inquiry Report.

The report outlined feedback from the Conference, details of further consultation events and meetings, the planned process for responding formally to the Association of Police Authorities (APA).

The report also presented to Members, a copy of the proposed Police Stop and Search Questionnaire.

Members requested that the questionnaire be revised, prior to being circulated and officers should investigate a mechanism for considering feedback to the questionnaire.

In concluding the discussion the Chair requested that Members thanks to all staff involved in this process, at short notice, be recorded.

Resolved:

1. the Authority note the Association of Police (APA) deadline for the receipt of its consultation;
2. the Members note the preparation of the draft consultation strategy and agree that the detailed proposals be referred to the Consultation, Diversity and Outreach Committee (CDO) for further consideration;
3. the finalised draft written response to the APA be signed off by the CDO Committee on 22 May 2001 and be referred to the Co-ordination and Urgency Committee on 31 May 2001 prior to submission to the APA; with the final response circulated to Members at the full Authority meeting in June 2001; and
4. the Chair of the Authority formally write to those groups and voluntary organisations that have assisted the Authority in progressing its consultation.

140. Police and performance plan

(Agenda item 14)

The Authority received a report that informed Members of the publication of the Authority's policing and best value performance plan for 2001/02.

It was noted that a summary of the plan would be circulated to households as part of the GLA summary in June, subject to the Authority being happy with form of wording used in the summary relating to policing issues.

Arising from the discussion it was noted that Members of the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee would be review the process of preparing the plan for next year and would welcome any comments from other Members.

Resolved:
that Members note the publication of the Authority's policing and best value performance plan for 2001/02.

141. General principles of conduct and draft model code of conduct

(Agenda item 15)

The Authority considered a report that outlined the general principles of the conduct and draft model code of conduct.

With regard to the draft model code of conduct, Members noted the comments contained within the report and commented that in relation to gifts and hospitality Members should declare any that exceed £50.00.

Resolved:

1. the Authority notes the Government's final proposals for a statement of general principles; and
2. approve the comments outlined in the report on the proposed Model Code of Conduct, with the amendment that gifts and hospitality exceeding £50.00 be declared and that these comments be forwarded to the Association of Police Authorities for inclusion in its composite response to the Government

142. Standards Committee

(Agenda item 16)

The Authority received a report that proposed the establishment of a Standards Committee.

Members were informed that under the Local Government Act 2000, all relevant authorities in England, including the MPA are required to establish a standards committee to promote and maintain high standards of conduct in the authority and to assist the authority's members in observing the authority's code of conduct.

Resolved:

1. the Authority agrees to establish a standards committee with the terms of reference proposed in paragraph three of the report;
2. the MPA membership of be three members of the MPA (one GLA member, one magistrate member and one independent member) and two members who shall be independent of the Authority and these positions be filled at the June (Annual) meeting of the Authority;
3. the three MPA members constitute the selection panel for the recruitment of the independent members; and
4. the Clerk be authorised to progress the recruitment of independent members, including the placing of advertisements and arrangements for interview and selection.

143. London Health Commission

(Agenda item 17)

The London Health Commission (LHC) was established last year and is an independent partnership with an aim to at a strategic and practical level to improve the health of all Londoners, paying particular attention to diversity and health inequalities.

Members received a report that asked if the Authority wished to become a sponsoring partner and consider a 'champion' on the Commission.

Resolved:

1. the Authority agree to become a sponsoring partner of the Authority and to meet with the Commission to discuss in greater detail what this may entail; and
2. the Chair be appointed its 'champion' on the Commission.

144. Membership of the Local Government Association (LGA)

(Agenda item 18)

At its meeting in February 2001, the Authority agreed to become a corporate member of the LGA.

Members now considered a report that sought member representatives to the LGA General Assembly, Police Authorities in Corporate Membership Group and other groups.

Resolved:
that appointments to the LGA be considered at the June (Annual) meeting.

145. New contact system to inform Members of major sensitive issues

(Agenda item 19)

At its meeting in February 2001 the Authority agreed arrangements for contacting Members to inform them of major sensitive issues.

Members were now invited to review that process.

Resolved:
that the current system for contacting Members on major sensitive issues continue in its current format.

146. Business case for investment in the finance function

(Supplementary item)

The Authority agreed to receive this item as urgent as the proposed investment in the finance function is urgent and required the approval of the full Authority.

The Authority considered a report that informed Members that at the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee on 17 April 2001 the Committee considered a business case for investment to improve the performance of the finance function. The Committee subsequently agreed that the Authority should be required to urgently consider the proposed investment that would enable the MPS to develop the capacity to deliver the services required and expected of it.

Resolved:
that the Authority approve additional expenditure of £900,000 in 2001/02 (£1,562,000 in a full year) to restructure and reskill the MPS finance function and that this expenditure be funded from contingency of £5 million created by the Authority at its March meeting.

147. Exclusion of the press and public

(Agenda item 20)

Following further consideration Members decided not to exclude the press and public from agenda item 21.

148. Presentation on Policing New Year celebrations

(Agenda item 21)

The Authority received a presentation on the policing of new celebrations 2000 from Tariq Ghaffur, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, City of Westminster and John Morgan, Chief Inspector Charing Cross Station.

Following the presentation Members commissioned a report to a future meeting of the Authority on policing large events, subject to the report being considered in the first instance by Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee

Members also requested a report to the next Authority meeting on policing this year's Notting Hill Carnival.

Resolved:

1. a report be presented to the next Authority on policing this year's Notting Hill Carnival; and
2. a report be presented to a future meeting of the Authority on policing large events, subject to the report being considered in the first instance by Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee.

The meeting closed at 1.45pm.

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