Question to the authority

Report: 3
Date: 10 December 2001
By: Clerk

Summary

Members are requested, in accordance with the Authority’s Standing Orders, to hear a question from a member of the public relating to an incident in which her son was injured by an officer of the Metropolitan Police in 1996.

A. Recommendations

That the Authority hears a question from Ms Susan Wilson and responds in accordance with Standing Orders.

B. Supporting information

1. Ms Susan Wilson has given written notice to the Clerk of the Authority that she wishes to put a question to the Authority. The text of her letter to the Clerk is as follows:

“I have been advised to write to you to request that my question is presented to the MPA and the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the reporting and investigation of a crime of assault committed by a Metropolitan Policeman in June 1996.

This crime was originally reported to the Police Complaints Authority but they said they had “no locus” in the matter and needed to be invited by the Metropolitan Police to investigate.

What is a member of the public to do when the PCA will not investigate a crime committed by a police officer?

I enclose a copy of a video tape which shows the assault on my son when he was 16 years old. The Metropolitan Police claimed in the High Court this was an “accidental collision” but Mr Justice Morland found it to be a “deliberate unlawful assault.”

Please advise me when this question is going to be presented and I will attend the meeting.”

2. In this case, the Clerk has indicated to Ms Wilson that she will be able to introduce her question briefly, so that Members are aware of the background, and to show the video which she has provided. If individual Members wish to be informed in greater detail about this case then a meeting with Ms Wilson can be arranged.

3. Standing Order 15 sets out the process for receiving questions at Authority meetings:

'15. Questions from the Public

1.  Any member of the public may ask questions of the Police Authority which are relevant to its business. However, to allow an opportunity to obtain any information sought in order that a meaningful response may be given, written notice should be given to the Clerk to the Police Authority not less than 14 days before a meeting of the Authority.

2. As soon as such questions are received, the appropriate officer(s) involved in responding should be given a copy and requested to prepare an answer. Every reasonable effort should be made to ensure that questions are answered fully but concisely.

3. Any question(s) shall be included on the agenda for the meeting, in the order of receipt, as the next item of business after the approval of the minutes of the last meeting, and must be addressed to the Chairman. The Chairman will then invite the appropriate officer or Member of the Authority to respond. All questions shall be put and answered without discussion. Arising from such questions if Members want a report, or an issue to be debated, then they must use existing procedures to ensure that at the following meeting the item is raised.

4. With regard to those questions that involve the disclosure of exempt information, if part of the answer can be given in public, then that should be done. However, if that is not the case or the answer is clearly inadequate, then the questioner must be told that there will be no answer available and why, prior to the meeting, and the question will not be put on the agenda.

5. The person asking the question shall be given the opportunity of attending the meeting to put the question, but if not present the answer as reported to the Authority shall be sent to such persons following the meeting. If the questioner is in attendance the appropriate officer and/or Member shall meet, him or her the questioner to discuss any further concerns he or she may have and to clarify any answer given, if necessary.

6. The Chairman may use discretion to limit the number of questions asked by members of the public in order to avoid disruption of the business of the Police Authority. In any event the total time allowed for public question and answers shall not exceed 30 minutes. A maximum of three questions per person per year may be heard. Any questions that remain unanswered within the timescale shall receive written responses only.’

C Financial implications

There are no financial implications relating to this report.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

The author of this report is Simon Vile, Secretariat, MPA.

For information contact:

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

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback