Minutes

Minutes of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 14 June 2001 at Romney House, Marsham Street, London, SW1.

Present

Members

• Toby Harris (Chair)
• Jennette Arnold
• Anthony Arbour
• Reshard Auladin
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair)
• John Biggs
• Cindy Butts
• Lynne Featherstone
• Nicky Gavron
• Peter Herbert (Deputy Chair)
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Darren Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Nicholas Long
• Cecile Lothian
• R David Muir
• Eric Ollerenshaw
• 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)
• Bob Alexander (Head of Finance)

Approximately 87 members of the press/public and other MPA/MPS staff were also present.

Part 1

1. Roger Evans and Eric Ollerenshaw

The Chair informed the Authority that Roger Evans had resigned from the Authority and that the Mayor had appointed Eric Ollerenshaw as his replacement.

Members recorded their thanks to Roger Evans for his contribution to the Authority during the last year and welcomed Eric Ollerenshaw to the Authority.

2. Apologies

(Agenda item 1)

No apologies were received.

3. Minutes: 10 May 2001

(Agenda item 2)

The minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 10 May 2001 were not agreed. Jenny Jones expressed concern that the minutes did not include the questions she had asked at the meeting in relation to the policing of the May Day demonstrations. Peter Herbert also considered that they should reflect the concern that some Members felt about the legality of the containment operation. The Chair explained that it was not the function of the minutes to include all the comments and questions made by Members. However, he asked for the minutes to be redrafted to reflect these comments.

It was also felt that item 175 of the minutes (Delivery Options for C3i) should include reference to the fact that Members recognised that all of the options in the paper would require the deletion of 1,000 police officer posts.

It was agreed that following these amendments copies if the minutes would be circulated to all Members.

Resolved:
that the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 10 May 2001 be amended to reflect comments made by Members and subsequently circulated to Members.

4. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 4)

The Authority received the approved/draft minutes (previously circulated) of the following committee meetings:

Professional Standards and Performance Monitoring Committee 8 May 2001;
Human Resources Committee 17 May 2001;
Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee 15 May 2001;
Consultation, Diversity and Outreach Committee 22 May 2001;
Co-ordination and Urgency Committee 31 May 2001.

Resolved - That the minutes be received.

5. Questions to the Authority

(Agenda item 3)

In accordance with Standing Order 15, the Authority were asked the following questions from Ms Lois Austin and Ms Samantha Dias:

Question from Lois Austin

1. ‘What role did the Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority and other members have in discussing tactics in relation to the policing of the 1st May protests held in London?
2. What intelligence, other than obtained on the internet, was used to formulate the police tactics adopted during the May 1st protests?
3. Who was responsible for briefing the media in relation to police operations during May 1st protests in London, was it;
   1. the Mayor’s office;
   2. the Metropolitan Police;
   3. the Metropolitan Police Authority;
   4. was there a co-ordinated approach adopted by which the content of press releases and briefings were agreed between any of the above parties?’

The Clerk to the Authority replied:

In response to (1): As an operational matter, tactics are entirely the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

In response to (2): Again, the management of intelligence is an operational matter and is therefore outside of the remit of the MPA.

In response to (3): The MPS held a number of press briefings prior to and during 1 May. This included one briefing given jointly by the Commissioner, the Mayor and the Chair of the MPA.

Question from Samantha Dias

(It was reported that Ms Dias was unable to attend the meeting and it was agreed that Ms Austin should put the question on her behalf).

1. ‘How many offensive weapons were retrieved on dispersal of those detained in Oxford Circus and Euston?
2. What legal advice was received by the Metropolitan Police and relied upon as to the legality of the prolonged containment of protestors on May 2001?
3. Were any discussions held in relation to police operations during May 1st protests in London between the Home Office and;
   1. the Mayor’s office;
   2. the Metropolitan Police;
   3. the Metropolitan Police Authority;
   4. was there a co-ordinated approach adopted between any of the above parties?’

The Clerk to the Authority replied:

In response to (1): A total of 92 people were arrested during the May Day events. 37 of these were arrested in the immediate area of Euston and Oxford Circus. 23 of those arrested at Euston and Oxford Circus were for criminal offences relating to the possessions of offensive weapons, bladed instruments and violence.
There is an ongoing criminal inquiry into the May Day events and further arrests may result.

In response to (2): I understand that as part of the planning process, the MPS considered a range of statutory and common law powers and duties in relation to possible acts by those involved in the May Day demonstrations.

In response to (3): The MPS kept a variety of organisations briefed about the developing policing operation in the run up to May Day. These included the MPA and the Home Office.

Resolved:

1. that the questions from Lois Austin and Samantha Dias be received; and
2. that the planned Members workshop inform the basis of a report to the Authority on the May Day demonstrations.

6. Chair’s and members’ update

(Agenda item 5)

The Chair updated Members on recent key activities undertaken by him since the previous meeting of the Authority.

These included; addressing the Crime Concern event - Proven Approaches: Positive Impact; addressing the MPA consultation meeting of police officers on Recommendation 61; attending the ACPO Conference; meeting with Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council to discuss this year’s Notting Hill Carnival; meeting with the Mayor and the Commissioner of Police to discuss amongst other issues, Noting Hill Carnival, recruitment and retention of police officers and unlicensed minicab drivers.

The Members’ update included a report from the Deputy Chair, Richard Barnes that included attendance at the launch of the HIV policy, with the Commissioner.

7. Commissioner’s update

(Agenda item 6)

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

Meeting with new Home Secretary

The Commissioner reported that he had recently met with the new Home Secretary and discussed national policing issues.

Mission, Vision and Values

The Commissioner updated Members on the recent Mission, Vision and Values seminar held in Westminster. The seminar focused on such issues as personnel, bureaucracy, promotion and disability at work.

Further seminars will be held in the future, the next being at Hendon with around 500 officers and support staff.

Members requested that the Commissioner ensure that written feedback to those staff who did not attend a particular seminar be given to ensure that all staff were being kept fully informed on what was discussed.

In acknowledging this point, the Commissioner agreed that feedback would be provided in ‘The Job’ magazine and that it was his intention to meet with all members of staff as far as possible.

The general election

The Commissioner reported to the Authority on the MPS involvement in the policing of the general election, particularly in the light of the high terrorist threat.

Operation Trident

The Commissioner updated the Authority on Operation Trident. He Commissioner reported that since April 2001 there had been 32 non-fatal shooting and since January 2001 there had been 8 fatal shootings.

The Commissioner reported that there had been 19 arrests and the recovery of a large amount of weapons.

The Commissioner also reported that for the first time a police vehicle had been shot at and that there was strong evidence that most, but not all of the shooting were linked to drugs. The Commissioner stated that not all the incidents were linked to either Jamaica or ‘Yardie’ activities and agreed that further analysis of the motives for these shooting is required, as well as dealing with the issue of the supply source for these weapons.

Members highlighted the success of Operation Trident in the London Borough of Brent, not least the engagement of the community and particularly in the introduction of preventative measures. It was suggested that this format should be used by the MPS elsewhere in London.

Members also noted that the Professional Standards and Performance Monitoring Committee had received a presentation on Operation Trident where it was reported that clear up figure for murder in London were very high, particularly in comparison with cities such as Amsterdam and Washington, However, clear up rates for murders from shooting were not high and this was an area that required further work.

The Commissioner informed the Authority that resources for Operation Trident and in particular the Serious Crime Group would remain a high priority.

In conclusion, the Commissioner informed the Authority that he intended at a future date to show the successful recovery of the type of weapons being used and that are currently in circulation in London. The Commissioner confirmed that publicity on Operation Trident would continue as part of the preventative measures.

Operation Strongbox

The Authority received from the Commissioner an update on Operation Strongbox, which is currently operating in Haringey.

The Commissioner reported that the operation continued to be a success. In Haringey the operation had adopted the best practice from the operation in other London borough’s and during the period it had been in operation in Haringey there had been 1,729 arrest for such crimes as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime. The Commissioner also reported that Haringey now topped the league for performance in London. He encouraged Members of the Authority to visit the operation and particularly referred to the innovative use of CCTV

The Commissioner agreed that the introduction of a further 22 officers had been highly beneficial as had the leadership within the borough and the work of the independent community advisors.

The Commissioner also reported that on Wednesday 23 May 2001, there was not one reported crime relating to street crime in Haringey, something that had not happened before.

The Commissioner concluded by informing the Authority that he would present a report on this Operation to a future meeting, particularly highlighting its cost and the success of the operation.

Members commended this operation, the staff involved and its progressive improvement. Members also reiterated the importance of additional officers being deployed into boroughs to continue the work of this operation, particularly when the operation has move to another area in London and asked the Commissioner to include in his future report on this operation the views from the community during and after the operation had taken place.

The Commissioner also agreed to circulate to Members details of how many of the 1,729 arrests in Haringey resulted in a charge.

Recruitment and retention

The Authority were updated on the latest recruitment and retention figures.

The Commissioner informed the Authority that there had been an intake of 237 new recruits in May, but in order to meet the target of 1,050 over the next three months, 300 new recruits per month would be required. He stressed the importance of retention and recorded that the Human Resources Committee would be looking at this issue in further detail, initially at a workshop. It was agreed that the Authority should receive a report to a future meeting on retention issues.

The Commissioner reported that 50% of new recruits to the Special Constabulary were from ethnic minorities.

In response to questions from Members, he confirmed that the capacity at Hendon was at its limit and that alternative accommodation was being purchased to meet growing demand.

Members also reiterated concerns in relation to the length of time it takes to process an application and the extent to which processes were conducted consequently rather than concurrently. The Commissioner agreed to provide further information relating to recruitment process to Members, the aim being to look at streamlining the process. It was also agreed that information discussed at workshops should be circulated to all Members to ensure that they are aware of decisions taken.

Members agreed that the Authority should discuss as a matter of urgency with the Home Office the issue of piloting a scheme to encourage officers with 30 years service to remain in service.

Resolved:

1. that the report be received;
2. that the Commissioner present to a future meeting of the Authority a report on Operation Strongbox and that that report include the cost of the operation, the success of the operation and views from the community during and before the operation;
3. that the Authority receive a report on recruitment issues; and
4. that the Authority discuss with the Home Office the initiation of a pilot scheme to retain officers with 30 years service.

8. Development of corporate strategy

(Agenda item 7)

The Authority considered a report that updated Members on the work to date undertaken by Members in providing input to a corporate strategy for the Metropolitan Police Service.

The report reminded Members that it had been agreed that a strategy should be in place by October 2001 in order that the planning and budget decisions for 2002/03 could reflect longer-term goals and priorities. The report also outlined that further work was required on an explanation of goals and priorities and the rationale for inclusion and that these should be used as a starting point for detailed discussion with the MPS management board and that they should be discussed with a small group of external partners.

Members were ask to note that the strategy would be subject to consultation, before being formally presented to the Authority for approval with the support of the Commissioner. However, given the October deadline the extent of the consultation would be constrained.

Resolved:
that the report be noted.

9. Budget process

(Agenda item 8)

The Authority received a report that considered the process dealing with medium term financial forecasts in the light of the Mayor’s proposed process for developing the 2002/03 budget.

The report outlined the timetable for the budget process that commenced in mid June 2001 with the MPA submitting an initial three year forecast and culminated in mid February 2002 with the Mayor and GLA Assembly approving the budget. The report also included the Mayor’s policing priorities and it was noted that these would need to be taken account of during the process.

The Treasurer informed the Authority that further discussions were required with the Mayor regarding flexibility with regard to submission of a detailed budget in mid October.

In considering the process Members highlighted the importance of including the key priorities for the MPA in the process.

Resolved:

1. that the Authority note the budget process for 2002/03 proposed by the Mayor and request the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee to assess its implications; and
2. that the Authority agree that the Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee approve the MPA’s medium term financial forecasts for submission to the Mayor.

10. Annual Performance Report

(Agenda item 9)

The Authority considered a report that summarised the MPS performance against plans and targets for the year 2000/01 and which listed policing plan and best value performance indicators.

It was noted that in comparison with the previous year, the performance against indicators had generally improved. However, further work in relation to street crime, auto crime and customer satisfaction was required.

The Deputy Commissioner informed the Authority that to meet many of the targets involved a cost. The Finance, Planning and Best Value Committee and Authority would need to consider this when setting future targets.

Members acknowledged the achievement in meeting many of the targets, particularly considering the staffing difficulties in the MPS.

With regard to future target setting, Members suggested that to maintain the improvements in targets, consideration should be given to the effects of borough policing and seeking best practice for dissemination. Members also suggested that future targets should be presented in a logical order. A request was made that there be a key target for road safety and where possible for separate road safety figures for deaths and serious injury. Members also requested that future targets in relation to judicial disposals take account of convictions. In considering this latter request the Deputy Commissioner stated that he was happy to provide the figures, but reminded Members that the MPS responsibility finished once the matter was before a court and therefore this could not be considered a target.

Arising from questions from Members relating to young offenders, the Deputy Commissioner informed the Authority that crimes by young offenders and drug related crimes were two areas that were causing concern and that the MPS and MPA need to work closer with other agencies in obtaining further funds in order to support young people and divert them away from crime. Richard Sumray, Chair of the Professional Standards and Performance Committee, reminded Members of the forthcoming workshop on youth crime and invited all Members of the Authority to attend.

The Chair informed the Authority that some Members and officers had been working with the Home Office on responding to youth crime and diverting young people from crime and suggested that a report on discussions held so far be presented to a future meeting.

Resolved:

1. that the Authority note the report; and
2. that a report on discussions between the Home Office and the MPA and MPS on diverting young people from crime presented to a future meeting.

11. Anti-social behaviour orders

(Agenda item 10)

The Authority received a report that had been deferred from the previous Authority meeting and which gave details on the current position on the use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) as prescribed by Section 1 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

The Report outlined details of the legislation, details of MPS activity to promote the use of ASBOs and other initiatives to combat anti-social behaviour, factors affecting the use of ASBOs and statistical information relating to the use of ASBOs in London.

Arising from the discussion, Members raised concerns that ASBOs were very expensive to invoke and took a long time to achieve. Members supported the need for these issues to be taken up with the Home Office and to develop better working partnership with other agencies, such as housing association and local authorities.

Resolved:

1. that the report be received;
2. that the issues raised by Members regarding ASBOs be discussed with the Home Office and that following this meeting a report be presented to the Authority.

12. Terms of reference of the Human Resources Committee

(Agenda item 11)

The Authority considered a report that proposed an addition to the terms of reference to the Human Resources Committee.

The proposed addition would allow the Human Resources Committee to considered the forfeiture of pension of any officer convicted of an offence in connection with his or her police service.

Resolved:
that the following addition be made to the Human Resources Committee’s terms of reference:

1. “To determine whether forfeiture of a police officer’s pension should be considered because he or she has been convicted of an offence committed in connection with his/her service as a member of the police force which the Secretary of State may certify as either having been gravely injurious to the interests of the State or liable to lead to serious loss of confidence in the public service.
2. In the event of the Home Secretary issuing a certificate of forfeiture, to determine the proportion of the pension which should be forfeited.”

13. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 12)

A resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting during agenda item 13 as they were likely to disclose exempt information as described in Schedule 12(a) (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Resolved that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following item of business.

Summary of exempt items

14. Civil court action

(Agenda item 13)

The Authority received a report that considered a proposed settlement of a case.

The meeting closed at 12.50 p.m.

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