HMIC report - MPS inspection 2000/01

Report: 9
Date: 26 July 2001
By: Commissioner

Summary

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) published its report on the MPS Inspection 2000/2001 on 26 June 2001. This paper summarises the key findings of the report and outlines the action to be undertaken within the MPS. The paper asks the Authority to note the means by which progress on the implementation of the seven main recommendations will be monitored and reviewed.

A. Recommendation

Members are asked to note the contents of this report.

B. Supporting information

1. The inspection of the MPS, conducted under the statutory powers contained in the Police Act 1996, took place between 12 February and 2 March 2001. It covered the full range of MPS business, concentrating on front-line service delivery and the mechanisms that support and promote its effectiveness. However, whilst this report is an informed assessment of MPS performance, it is not a comprehensive account of all its activities; that detail is provided in the Annual Reports of the MPA and the Commissioner.

2. HMIC's risk assessment process, conducted in July 2000, identified the need for the MPS to be inspected, particularly as an analysis of MPS performance highlighted weaknesses across a range of key operational performance areas. The decision to focus the inspection on front-line performance was influenced by a combination of factors. In addition to both a new Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner taking up post, other significant personnel changes had taken place at Management Board level.

3. During the course of the inspection, full account was taken of the substantial reorganisation since the last regional inspection in 1999, and of the significant external pressures upon the MPS. The report stated that it was to the credit of the MPS that these pressures were being managed at the same time as indicators of core policing performance were showing signs of improvement, albeit from a low base.

4. Despite the rising demand during this period of intense change, the MPS had tried to meet its performance targets. During 1999/2000 2,412,981 emergency (999) calls were handled, an average of 6,610 calls per day - an extra 1000 calls per day compared to 1997. Total crime incidents had been reduced by 1 per cent and volume crime figures showed a reduction of 1 per cent, with continued success in tackling burglary, which was down by 10 per cent.

5. Although performance results were a core element of the inspection, the report highlighted and commended much good unmeasured news, particularly in public safety and the policing of major disorder, for example 'Operation Crackdown' and the 'Nail Bomber' enquiry. Other notable achievements that HM Inspector felt worthy of special mention were the initiatives to root out corrupt staff and the work of the Race and Violent Crime Task Force. Both initiatives represented centres of excellence that could offer the lead for the police service nationally and internationally. These unmeasured achievements were not overlooked in the inspection.

6. The inspection report defined and established a baseline for the MPS against which service delivery in the future will be measured. HM Inspector was pleased to note that in many cases where he had concerns, the MPS has already recognised these and had established projects and work programmes designed to secure improvements. This awareness and commitment to action was commended by HMIC, and the fact that few recommendations were made, was a reflection of the positive remedial action being taken by the Commissioner and his team. However, the real challenge for the MPS over the next year or two will be to deliver on these actions and show continuous improvement.

Review arrangements

7. A summary of the recommendations, together with actions and comments identifying those areas that represent additional or on-going work has been circulated separately to Members (additional copies are available on request). The MPS has agreed the lead responsibilities for all of the recommendations and actions listed in the summary.

8. The MPS will be providing a full corporate response on the progress of the implementation of the seven main recommendations to both the MPA and HMIC at the end of September. A further update on progress will then be prepared for the end of December. This will include the outcome of a compliance check, which will be undertaken by the MPS Inspectorate.

9. MPA officers and the MPS Inspection Liaison and Analysis Unit (ILAU) have recently established a joint system to assist them in monitoring and reviewing the recommendations from all HMIC inspections. This includes the development of a proforma, which can be used by all MPA committees in the development of performance/monitoring indicators.

10. Progress on all actions will be monitored and reviewed by both the MPS Performance and Review Committee and the MPA, through the MPS ILAU.

C. Financial implications

The financial implications of the recommendations were not part of HMIC considerations when producing the inspection report. As part of the initial collation of the MPS response to the recommendations, a view of the financial implications will be taken.

D. Background papers

• HMIC Report - MPS Inspection 2000/2001
• Action Plans – see document circulated separately with agenda

E. Contact details

The author of this report is John Zlotnicki, MPS Director of Inspection & Review and Melanie Homer, from the MPS ILAU.

For information contact:

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

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