Minutes - draft

Please note these minutes are currently draft and are subject to committee approval.

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 27 April 2006 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Len Duvall (Chair)
• Reshard Auladin (Deputy Chair)
• Cindy Butts (Deputy Chair)
• Tony Arbour
• Jennette Arnold
• Richard Barnes
• Dee Doocey
• Nicky Gavron
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Peter Herbert
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Jenny Jones
• Karim Murji
• Bob Neill
• Aneeta Prem
• Murad Qureshi
• John Roberts
• Richard Sumray
• Abdal Ullah 
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Ken Hunt (Treasurer)
• Simon Vile (Head of Secretariat)

MPS officers

• Sir Ian Blair (Commissioner)
• Paul Stephenson (Deputy Commissioner)
• Tim Godwin (Assistant Commissioner)
• Keith Luck (Director of Resources)

122. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Damian Hockney, Graham Tope and David Riddle (Deputy Chief Executive, Deputy Clerk and Solicitor to the Authority).

123. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

None notified.

124. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

The minutes of the meeting of the Authority held on 30 March 2006, were subject to amendment and were not approved.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meetings of the Authority held on 30 march 2006 April 2006 be amended to reflect members comments and be presented to the next meeting of the Authority.

125. Petitions

(Agenda item 4)

Two petitions were presented to the Authority.

The first petition, signed by residents of the Chipping Barnet area, requested:

“We the undersigned call on the Home Secretary and the Mayor of London to put 120 more police officers on the beat in Chipping Barnet.”

The Chief Executive and Clerk responded to the petition and stated:

“The Resource Allocation Formula is the basis for allocating police officers to boroughs (apart from those in the Safer Neighbourhood Programme). The nature of policing and the assessment of need is such that the RAF can never have the accuracy of a scientific formula. However, it is generally accepted as the fairest and most robust means of allocating available police officers to boroughs. It is only arrived at following an extensive consultation process in which all stakeholders can take part.

"The terms of the petition do not explain why Chipping Barnet residents see the need for 120 additional officers. If there are particular policing issues then I am sure that the Borough Commander would like to have the opportunity to consider how he could respond. However, Barnet does not figure highly in serious or violent crime such as murder, assault, robbery or rape. Nor does the borough have a high level of overall crime when compared to other boroughs in London. Given that the resources are finite, additional police numbers in one borough could only be achieved at the expense of other boroughs.

"The officers allocated to boroughs are, of course, only part of the story. In addition there is a range of specialist units and officers, such as murder teams and child protection teams, who work alongside their borough colleagues as necessary.

"Finally, the Safer Neighbourhood programme is bringing a significant change to the way that local policing is carried out in partnership with local people and agencies and offers the opportunity for local people to influence the police response to local problems. All areas of London will have a Safer Neighbourhood team by May 2006”

A second petition had been received and signed by in excess of 1,500 people. Philip Briscoe presented the petition on behalf of residents on the Isle of Dogs. It sought the Authority to recognise the growth in population and policing needs on the Isle of Dogs and requested the provision of additional resources to allow the Manchester Road Police Station to remain open for longer hours, particularly in the evenings. In addition, the petition asks if a more tangible police presence could be demonstrated to residents of the Isle of Dogs.

The Chief Executive and Clerk responded as follows:

“The issue of extended police station opening hours has been an issue on the Isle of Dogs for many years.

"The front office currently opens Monday to Friday, from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. (closed for an hour for lunch) however, the Borough Commander plans to change opening hours to noon to 8.00 p.m. in response to community demands.

"Limehouse Police Station is open twenty-four hours and is no more than 2 miles away from the furthest point on the Isle of Dogs. The front counter is used almost exclusively for non-urgent matters.

"The perception that if Manchester Road Police Station office is not open then the Isle of Dogs is not being policed is unjustified. Police cover the Isle of Dogs at all times of the day and night and this is not dependent on the front office being open. As well as Tower Hamlets response team coverage, the Island has two Safer Neighbourhood Teams, which work late turn and weekend duties.

"The Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are engaged in a number of initiatives with the local community working to deal with concerns in the area. Their recent achievement include; dealing with anti social behaviour in the Manchester Road area; eradicating anti social behaviour by youths on motor cycles in the area; and working with partners to reduce anti social behaviour around the Millwall Outer Docks area.

"I am confident that the link member for Tower Hamlets will want to seek continuing confirmation from the Borough Commander that the policing needs of the residents of the Isle of Dogs are fully understood and met.”

Having heard the MPA response, Mr Briscoe welcomed the proposed changes in opening times for Manchester Road Police Station, although he and residents, whilst not wishing to see less officers on the streets, would like to see the Station opened for longer. He also requested a meeting with the Tower Hamlets Borough Commander to discuss policing issues in the area and in particular, improving response times by officers and Safer Neighbourhood Teams on the Isle of Dogs. The Chair suggested that that request be submitted in writing to the Borough Commander.

Resolved – That the petitions presented to the Authority be received and the Chief Executive and Clerk's responses be noted.

126. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 5)

The minutes of the following committees were received for information:

• Corporate Governance Committee 16 March 2006
• Human Resources Committee 6 April 2006
• Strategy and Policing Committee 7 April 2006

The Chair of the Authority notified the Members that in accordance with Standing Order 3.1.2, a report had been tabled that sought consideration of ‘calling in’ the decision made by the Finance Committee on 20 April 2006 in relation to the item on the Central London Training Delivery Centre. In doing so, the Chair, confirmed that he was satisfied that the matter had received full and proper consideration by the Finance Committee, but he wanted all members to be satisfied of the case for accommodation and understand how in the long term the issue will be addressed in the Estate Strategy.

However, the Chair reported that, following discussion with the MPS, it was now proposed that further issues around the delivery of a central London training centre be included in the report on the Estate Strategy that will be presented to the next of the Authority.

Resolved – That

1. the minutes of Committee be received and noted;
2. the decision to call in the decision made by the Finance Committee on 20 April on the proposal to create a central London training facility be agreed; and
3. the decision made by the Finance Committee on 20 April not be changed, but further issues around the delivery of a central London training centre be included in the report on the Estate Strategy that will be presented to the next of the Authority.

127. Chair’s update

(Agenda item 6)

Safer Neighbourhoods

Assistant Commissioner Tim Godwin provided the Authority with an update on the Safer Neighbourhoods policing programme.

Assistant Commissioner Goodwin reported that 345 new teams would be rolled out by the full implementation date of the programme, albeit, in some cases with a vacancy of one constable and one PSCO officer, with these vacancies filled by the end of the calendar year.

Of the 3,006 police officer/PSCO positions there was currently a 3% vacancy rate, which accounted for 87 PSCO positions, although a further 61 PSCO’s were due to enter training within the next week, leaving 30 PSCO positions which will be filled by the next intake. The current vacancy position was difficult to present for a number of reasons, including resignations, failure to take up positions or attend training.

Assistant Commissioner Godwin reported that current feedback on the programme had indicated that satisfaction was good, as were the levels of public satisfaction.

The Chair requested that the Authority continued to be provided with timely updates on the implementation of the programme.

Financial year 2005/06 performance data

(Agenda item 6a)

The Chair agreed to receive a late report on the 2005/06 performance data. The report was received on the grounds of urgency as it was felt that this was a timely opportunity for the Authority to discuss the recently published data.

The Chair proposed and it was agreed that this report be taken in conjunction with the Commissioner’s update report.

Murders in Tooting

The Chair invited Assistant Commissioner Goodwin to update members on the murder of two brothers in Tooting.

In providing an update, Assistant Commissioner Goodwin reported that a formal investigation was being undertaken and that he had voluntarily referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

As Borough Link member for Wandsworth, Elizabeth Howlett, in acknowledging the unusual circumstances that took place during the weekend that the murders took place, expressed concern in relation to weekend cover across London and suggested that this needed to be addressed. In relation to these particular murders, she welcomed the positive support being provided to the families and support received within the community.

128. Commissioner’s update

(Agenda item 7)

The Commissioner reported orally on a number of matters. Monthly performance information was also tabled.

Financial year 2005/06 performance data

The Commissioner provided the Authority with information relating to the recently released performance data. The Commissioner reported that the overall position was that crime in London had fallen. He confirmed that London had its lowest murder rate for 8 years and that most detection rates were rising, violence had fallen and sexual offences had reduced.

Members were reminded that in the MPA plan there were 49 targets and that 32 of the targets had been reached, 12 not reached, but improving, and five deteriorating.

The Commissioner informed members that the increasing robbery numbers were a concern, but remained below levels of 2003/04. In relation to violence against a person, the Commissioner welcomed reduction in some age categories, but was concerned that there was an increase in violence amongst those of 17 years of age and under. Data indicated that this increase was due to robbery and violence associated with mobile phones. To alleviate this situation the MPS would be preparing an action plan and undertaking further discussions with the mobile telephone industry.

Richard Sumary, Chair of the Planning, Performance and Review Committee, broadly welcomed the performance data and noted that, despite the events of July 2005, the MPS was working to reach set targets. However, he concurred with the Commissioner that there was a need to address violent crime and robbery. PPR Committee would be receiving reports stating how the MPS would address this situation, and he requested that these focussed on a holistic approach, particularly on those neighbourhoods where violent crime and anti social behaviour were prevalent, and including the need to address violence and crime amongst young people.

The Chair invited other members to comment and a number of points were raised these included;

• Disappointment that the figures did not include information relating to business crime.
• Concerns in the number of rises in road fatalities and a suggestion there was a link to the reduction in the number of traffic police.
• A requested that the Authority would benefit from comparative data from other police services in relation to detection rates.
• Disappointment of the increase in Trident gun crime.
• Welcome in the fall in racial violence in London, but concern about the 12% national increase and a need for the MPS to continue to maintain its reduction.
• Welcomed for the overall reduction in the crime figures for Lambeth, but need to understand what is being done for those boroughs where the figures have not decreased.
• Further information was required on the discussions with the mobile phone industry, as following previous meetings reassurances had been given that it was they were working with the MPS to deal with stolen mobile phones.
• What measures were being undertaken to reduce the sanction detection rate for homophobic crime?
• What information was available for crime against disabled people and other vulnerable people?
• Is the MPS considering adopting the social model of disability which could help meet the needs of disabled people as victims of crime?
• Did the reduction that race crime, include faith crimes?
• Do the figures for violence against the person include violence committed against traffic wardens.
• Was the MPS working to deal with the expansion of gun crime into boroughs that have not usually associated with this crime?
• Could the Authority receive comparative data for performance figures?

The Commissioner, in responding to these questions, was satisfied with the general improvement in the sanction detection rates, but acknowledged that there was a need to focus on crime affecting businesses.

In relation to increase in Trident gun crime, there was an indication that younger people were involved in dispensing shoots, but there were no victims. In other gun crime, early figures for this year show there had been a significant reduction in the number of incidents.

The Commissioner reported that the MPS kept the number of officers in all units, including traffic police, under review. Central Operations - Traffic Division were continually working to reduce death on London’s roads. The Chair suggested that there should be a fuller debate around Traffic Division, including road fatalities and the number of traffic police, at a future meeting of the Authority.

Regarding the sanction detection rate for homophobic crime the Commissioner agreed that there was further work to be undertaken on this issue. He supported the shift from medical to the social model for disability in order to support the needs of disabled citizens, particularly those who are victims of crime. He also confirmed that from next year faith crimes would form part of the statistical analysis. If there were information relating to violent attacks on traffic wardens, this information would be circulated to members.

In relation to gun and knife crime the Commissioner confirmed that the new Violent Crime Directorate would be looking at trends and the information would be presented to members accordingly.

The Commissioner confirmed that comparative data was available on the MPS website and was presented to the Authority through its Planning, Performance and Review Committee, as well as monthly updates. However, he expressed concerns on how performance figures for 32 boroughs against 40 set targets could be suitably be presented to or discussed by the full Authority.

Assistant Commissioner Godwin informed members that discussions had taken place with the mobile telephone industry and that it had financed the development of a CEIR database that would block stolen or lost mobile phones. However it did not have the capacity to block the amount of phones reported as stolen or lost. Further discussions had taken place and the industry had undertaken to improve matters by the establishment of an industry standard and the charter further investment.

Assistant Godwin confirmed that those boroughs with variation performance issues were provided with significant support.

The Chair requested that the Planning, Performance and Review Committee receive a report on high volume crime boroughs and level of resources and tactics they received. He also requested that when comparison of performance figures are provided that the boroughs compared are as like for like as possible.

Information was requested seeking further details on work being undertaken with the industry on designing out crime in relation to the increase in robbery of mp3 and ipod players. It was noted that there appeared to be a stabilising in the number of robberies involving these systems. There is an issue of how to close down these systems, but the industry does offer crime prevention information. The MPS were also working with young people on this matter.

Members sought further information on any dual approach being taken to deal with those boroughs that were not part of the Trident ‘hot spot boroughs’ but were seeing an increase in Trident gun crime. The Commissioner responded by informing members that resources could be made available to such areas by adjusting the resource allocation formula, however the Commissioner also suggested that input from other agencies was also required.

Operation matters

The Commissioner informed the Authority of two officers who whilst carrying out their duties in Wandsworth had been subjected to an attack where acid had been used. Both officers were recovering, but would have facial scars.

The Commissioner provided members with details of a drugs raid at the Fridge Club; in Lambeth, an arrest in Lambeth by three officers despite being shot at; a raid on a premises that had resulted in the recovery of a equipment being used to illegally copy DvDs and CDs. Details of a foiled armed robbery in Barnes were also given.

Local elections

The Commissioner confirmed that a number of allegations of electoral fraud had been reported and these would be investigated. He would report back to the Authority if there had been an increase in this issue against previous elections.

In relation to some members concerns about intimidation or the use of inappropriate information by the British National Party and the effect on local communities, the Commissioner stated that the Party was a lawful organisation, but the MPS would take action if any offences were reported.

Release of prisoners

Following recent media reports, members raised a number of concerns about convicted foreign nationals and violent/sex offenders being released and not deported or placed on registers. In particular, members were concerned about the apparent lack of co-ordination between agencies and sought reassurance from the Commissioner that the MPS were satisfied that it was contributing to the process in an effective manner.

The Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner Godwin confirmed that they believed that the existing system did work, although there was no room for complacency. It was accepted that there was a need for better co-ordination between agencies and this was being taken forward.

The Commissioner, in response to members’ questions on the possibility of the establishment of ‘super’ hostels for newly released prisoners, suggested that once the consultation document was circulated this be considered jointly by the MPA and MPS.

Assistant Commissioner Godwin agreed to circulate to members further details relating to the process of early release prisoners.

Programme of work/PSCO accommodation

In answer to questions the Commissioner reported that the MPS had established an Estate Strategy Steering Group and that as part of its deliberations it would be looking how the MPS publicised it decisions both internally and externally. PSCO accommodation would be considered as part of the Estate Strategy.

Dogs

Members requested further information regarding the use of dogs against other people or for other criminal activities. The Commissioner agreed that there was a need for analysis of this issue to see if there was a trend.

Update on terrorism

The Commissioner provided members with an update on the terrorist threat facing London. He confirmed that three people had been charged with further conspiracies to cause damage. He reported that he had met with Commissioner of New York Police and with leading members of the FBI to discuss terrorist issues.

MPS website

Members were reassured that the MPS website, which was currently being redesigned, would reinstate contact details of all Safer Neighbourhoods Teams members.

Drugs trade

Members drew attention to the apparent rerouting of drugs into the country via such countries not previous used such as Bangladesh, and asked how the MPS was responding to this. The Commissioner stated that he had commissioned further work from the Drugs Directorate on this matter.

Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRPs)/counter terrorism

Members reported that CDRPs had been asked to place counter terrorism as standard item on their agendas. One issue to arise from this the limited knowledge of how intelligence from PSCOs or local wardens was passed to and used by the police. The Commissioner supported the idea of CDRPs having such an agenda item and would ask colleagues to ensure that officers were aware of the process for passing on such information.

May Day

The Commissioner confirmed that there were a number events planned in London. He was not expecting major disruption, however the MPS were not complacent and adequate recourses were being made available during this period.

Resolved – That

1. the Commissioner’s update and performance monthly performance information be noted;
2. the management information be noted and that the MPS submit their improvement plans relating to this data to the Planning, Performance and Review Committee;
3. the full Authority receives a report on the work of Traffic/Transport Command Unit, including the prevention of road deaths: and
4. a report be presented to the Planning, Performance and Review Committee on high volume crime boroughs and level of resources and tactics they receive.

129. Additional powers for Police Community Support Officers

(Agenda item 8)

Members considered a report that proposed additional powers for Police Community Support Officers (PCSO).

The report informed members that the MPS intended to designate fewer powers than those available in order to retain a distinction between PCSO and police officer role reduce training implications and retain the focus of the PCSO role on community engagement and reassurance.

Members raised a number of concerns relating to inconsistencies in what PCSOs would or would not be allowed to undertake. They also felt that the provision of training should not be driven by cost and should include appropriate management skills. There was particular concern in relation to PCSOs and stop and search.

The Commissioner confirmed that PCSOs should not be involved in duties that take them away from being present in public or involved in issues that require a great deal of training and in particular, any involvement in stop and search may blur roles.

Assistant Commissioner Godwin explained that some PCSOs have been through initial training and would now need to be provided with training on their new additional powers. PCSO when on duty would patrol with colleagues with the same level of training.

In relation to training, confirmation was given that PCSOs did receive training in e management skills and that training was not determined by costs.

The Chair of the Authority suggested that a group of members meet with the MPS to further consider the proposals outlined in the report and make any further recommendations to the Strategy and Policing Committee in May.

Resolved – That

1. members note the designation of additional powers for PSCOs in the MPS following new powers becoming available in the Serious Crime and Police Act 2005; and
2. members meet with the MPS to further consider the proposals outlined in the report and make any further recommendations to the Strategy and Policing Committee in May.

130. Independent Advisory Groups – a consistent approach

(Agenda item 9)

Following consideration by the MPA Morris Steering Group, the Authority considered a report on how the MPS Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate were taking forward the development of independent advice both pan-London and at B(OCU) level. the MPA Morris Steering group had requested further development of Independent Advisory Groups’ (IAGs) job descriptions, tenure and budgets, funding access for people with disabilities to IAGs and the formation of OCU IAGs.

Members’ views on the exceptional work undertaken by many IAGs was noted. Members suggested a number of issues that they would like the review of IAGs to look at, these included:

• Governance issues.
• As a matter of urgency, ensuring that IAG fully understood their roles;
• IAGs should be properly resourced and encouraging diversity in groups.
• There be a clear indication of how many IAGs there were;
• Clarity around membership of IAGs and members’ independence
• How IAGs are established and the avoidance of duplication.
• Distinction of calling a group an IAG and the life span of a IAG

Resolved – That

1. the report be received; and
2. the option report on the review of IAGs be presented to September meeting of the Authority.

131. Report from the Standards Committee

(Agenda item 10)

A report was received that provided members with an outline of matters considered by the Standards Committee on 16 March 2006.

In discussing the report a point of clarification was sought whether a Standards Committee’s could consider issues of discrimination. The Deputy Chief Executive and Clerk and Solicitor would provide members with information regarding this matter.

Resolved – That the report be received.

132. Homicide and Serious Crime Command - investigating homicides

(Agenda item 11)

A report was received that provided an overview of the work undertaken by the Homicide and Serious Crimes Command. The report focused on allocation of resources for homicide investigations and responded to a number of issues raised by the MPA which included;

• the basis on which decisions about the allocation of resources to an investigation of homicides is made;
• the considerations taken into account in the deployment of investigative assets;
• the difficulty of investigation and timeliness issues;
• systems in place to quality assure the decision making process;
• the nature of the consideration which is given to inviting media coverage to assist in identifying investigative leads; and
• the relationship between dedicated press officers assigned to Serious Crime Directorate and the Department of Public Affairs.

In considering the report members discussed the categories of homicides in relation to category A+ members asked for clarification on ‘public concern’ and ‘media intervention’ and what resources are allocated to what murders.

Members also asked for confirmation of when MPS intervention had stopped murders, if the Directorate was appropriately resourced, if the recent restructuring had affected performance and if there was consistency in how murders were dealt with.

In response to members questions, confirmation was given that the categories outlined in the report on which homicides should be categorised, were national categories. Members were informed that the categories were in place as a guide for police services in order to maintain consistency. The recent reorganisation of the Command had generally made it more efficient and put it in a better position to respond quickly to situations. Regarding resource issues, it was stated that there were always challenges. In response to members, the work of the MPS had actively contribution to the prevention of murders; examples of intervention in domestic violence and kidnap incidents were given.

In relation to the media, It was reported that the MPS had to react to media intervention where necessary, due to an increase in calls to an incident room or a need for additional security for the community. The Deputy Commissioner added that in order to instill member confidence in the process, it may require development of a method of providing members, either quarterly or on a six month basis, with ‘outcome issues’ into the rationale of what details are released to the media.

In response to members highlighting the 128-officer reduction in Special Crime Directorate (SCD1), in order to reflect a shortfall in the SCD budget, the Chair of the Authority confirmed that this was in fact a redeployment of officers to other duties and not a reduction in the SCD budget.

It was noted that financial implications of cost recovery for officers working abroad would be outlined in the report on delegation due to a future meeting of the Authority.

Resolved – the report be noted.

133. Exempt minutes

(Agenda item 13)

The Authority confirmed the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 30 March 2006.

The meeting ended at 1.15 p.m.

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