Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 25 January 2007 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
• Peter Herbert
• Damian Hockney
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney
• Karim Murji
• Bob Neill  (items 1-9)
• Aneeta Prem
• John Roberts
• Richard Sumray
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• David Riddle (Deputy Chief Executive, Deputy Clerk and Solicitor to the Authority)
• Ken Hunt (Treasurer)
• Nick Baker (Head of Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Sir Ian Blair (Commissioner)
• Paul Stephenson (Deputy Commissioner)
• Martin Tiplady (Director Of Human Resources)
• Ailsa Beaton (Director of Information)
• Stephen Rimmer (Director of Strategy, Modernisation and Performance)
• Sharon Burd (Acting Director of Resources)
• Commander Ron McPherson

90. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies were received from Kirsten Hearn.

91. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

No declarations were declared.

92. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 19 December 2006.

Resolved – That the minutes of the meetings of the Authority held on 19 December 2006 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

93. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 4)

The minutes of the following committees were received for information:

• Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board – 16 November 2006
• Co-ordination and Policing - 7 December 2006
• Professional Standards and Complaints Committee – 14 December
• Corporate Governance – 15 December 2007
• Finance Committee – 21 December 2006

Resolved – That the minutes of Committees be received and noted.

94. Chair's update

(Agenda item 5)

No update was given.

95. Question from the public

(Agenda item 6)

The Authority, in accordance with Standing Order 2.7, received the following question from Mr Michael Patten.

‘A recent House of Lords decision in Barker v. Bromley Council (as reported in the Observer 7 January 2007) ruled that developers and local planning Authorities must carry out Environmental Impact Assessments on projects, to assess the effects on the locality in matters such as lighting, traffic, ambience and pollution. Could you please advise if such an EIA has been carried out by the Metropolitan Police before attempting to impose this project, without proper consultation, on the residents of a quiet, low-crime residential area?’

The Chief Executive and Clerk informed the Authority that she had, following further internal discussions updated the response to Mr Patten’s question. The Chief Executive and Clerk responded as follows:

‘I would like to modify the original response to the question, which was circulated with the papers, to reflect internal discussions following the well attended public consultation meeting at Teddington on Monday of this week. The revised response has been tabled and copies are available for members of the public. The response will also be posted on our website.

The MPA Estates Strategy envisages a rationalisation of the provision of custody centres across London, following the recommendations of a review of custody capacity. The aim is to take a wide view of the overall requirements of the service to ensure the most effective use of resources to provide modern and efficient custody facilities.

With the growth in officer and PCSO numbers in recent years, increased custody provision is required across London as policing becomes more and more effective and more people are detained. The current situation is inefficient, with staffing replicated at a number of small sites. The proposed new Custody Centres will, through economies of scale, release officers for operational, front line policing duties to the benefit of all Londoners.

In May 2004 the Custody Centre Review identified Richmond and Merton as the two highest priorities for increased custody capacity.

The MPA Finance Committee approved the principle of siting a custody centre at Teddington, to support the boroughs of Kingston and Richmond, in June 2006. A search had failed to identify any prospective alternative sites in Teddington.

The proposals for the development of the facility at Teddington Police Station have now been put out to consultation, and a number of drawbacks have been identified. The MPS, with the encouragement of MPA members, will now take stock of the product of the consultation exercise, which is still continuing, and consider again what other options, including reflecting on the scale of the provisions of cells at Teddington, might provide a more satisfactory solution to the pressing problem of the under-provision of custody facilities in South West London. All proposed alternative sites elsewhere in the two boroughs, or schemes or modifications will of course be put out promptly to full and open public consultation.

On the specific point raised by Mr Patten the Teddington scheme currently under consultation does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) since it falls outside the scale and type of scheme designated as requiring formal statutory EIA action. I am advised that the recent House of Lords decision does not alter this situation. The MPS will of course wish to follow the spirit of the requirement to carry out an EIA in respect of any development projects to which statutory provision does not apply’.

Mr Patten welcomed the Chief Executive and Clerk’s response and suggested that the Teddington site would be best considered for future use as a commercial site. He raised concerns that the community had not be consulted in a suitable way and that this had damaged the support of the community for the police.

The Chair of the Authority welcomed the comments made by the Chief Executive and Clerk and, whilst not withdrawing the proposal said the MPS would look again at the siting of the custody suites in Teddington.

Members also asked that the MPS, when reviewing the proposals and looking at alternative sites, ensure that communication and consultation with community is carried out more proficiently.

Following requests from members, it was agreed that the criteria for choosing sites for proposed custody centres should be placed in the public domain.

Resolved – That

1. the question and reply be noted; and
2. the criteria for choosing sites for proposed custody centres be placed in the public domain.

96. 2007/08 budget submission – bridging the gap

(Agenda item 7a)

Following a series of reports to the Authority in recent months, members received a further report that considered the funding of the MPS contribution to the £8 million overall GLA budget gap.

Members noted that the £8 m savings were in addition to the already challenging savings identified as part of the 2007/08 budget and had been considered with the aim of protecting front line policing. The report outlined the proposed contributions that could be delivered: further capitalisation of staff costs (£2m); additional investment income (£1m); non-pay inflation (£1m) and charging Transport of London (TfL) for services (4m).

The Treasurer confirmed that an additional £2m savings to the £8m had been submitted to the Mayor by the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority had provided this.

Members asked if the MPS, when considering savings as part of the budget process, had considered overtime as part of the savings. Members also sought information on police staff numbers, particularly as the budget process had focused on protecting front line policing. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the MPS had looked at overtime as part of the budget process and agreed that this area would have to be further looked in future budget planning. He confirmed that the additional savings had been found by reviewing 400 police staff roles (not staff) without redundancies. However, the Commissioner added that that future budget planning would prove challenging in respect of staff numbers.

Members were concerned about those services being undertaken for Transport for London (TfL) could in future, be seen no longer as police core services. The Deputy Commissioner reassured members that agreements were in place that these functions would remain as police business.

Confirmation was given that discussions with the Home Office on the funding for Operation Overt were on-going.

Resolved – That members agree the plan for funding the £8 million contribution to the overall budget gap.

97. Role of Police Community Support Officers in the MPS

(Agenda item 7b)

A report was considered that provided a summary of the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) review by the MPS. It also provided members with an update of the use of PCSOs within the Bexley workforce modernisation pilot project and the proposals for the use of demonstration sites for PCSOs. In addition, members considered the development of extended roles for PCSOs, which included the use of reasonable force; quality assurance of the PCSOs role; terms and conditions of employment (including work patterns); training and the provision of recuperative duties. In addition, the report asked members to recommend taking forward initiatives with partners.

Members raised a number of points including: the possibility of reducing the 3- year residency requirement in order to allow PCSO to better reflect London’s communities; the need to reduce PCSOs being involved in excessive bureaucracy; confirmation that sergeants in safer neighbourhood teams had received supervisory training and requested details of the financial cost of additional training requirements of PCSOs; that consideration be given to providing those PCSOs who where bi or multi lingual with badges to indicate this; consideration of enhancing the PCSO role to engage in such things as work as youth work; the need to develop single officer patrols; concern that PCSO officers were being overused at front desks; the need to ensure that safer neighbourhood teams have a robust performance regime that demonstrates they are value for money; and continue to work with Black and Ethnic Minority groups to encourage them into and have confidence in the service.

The Commissioner welcomed the comments raised by members and stressed the importance of having PCSOs integrated into police teams and not considered as separate. He confirmed that at part of the review of PCSOs he had strongly indicated to the Home Office et al, the need for the original philosophy of PCSOs to be retained and not for police powers to drift into the role of PCSOs.

Regarding the 3-year residency issue, it was confirmed that this was a current Home Office requirement and applied to PCSOs. It was also confirmed that training through the Leadership Academy, for safer neighbourhood team sergeants had been provided by the Leadership Academy, and that PCSOs did not receive training on matters that they did not have powers for. In relation to PCSOs at front desks, it was felt that there was a good balance, particularly as PCSO needed to also engage with victims of crime, although the issue of excessive bureaucracy would have to be monitored. Regarding single officer patrols, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that this was operating in some areas; however, it was only undertaken following consideration of a risk assessment. He undertook to circulate details of the risk assessment o members.

The MPS would consider the suggestion from members in relation to ‘language identification badges’ and those comments relating to enhance PCSO roles within communities, such as youth work. In addition, it was noted that PCSOs were encouraged to consider other roles within the MPS as part of their career development, should they be suitable or positions available, although the Commissioner added that many PCSOs see the role as part of a career plan, possibly outside the policing sector.

The MPS were confident that robust performance and value for money of teams existed and agreed that this needed to be evidenced. It was also agreed that the continuing work with communities to build confidence in the service remained an important issue.

Members also raised concerns relating to PCSO involvement in situations within a neighbourhood that were not policing matters and subsequently went wrong. The concern related to the safer neighbourhood teams being held responsible. The MPS Director of Human Resources confirmed that employer’s liability would be available to those officers if required, but it was stressed that this would not apply if negligence were established or an officer had acted counter to an instruction to the contrary.

The MPS Director of Human Resources provided members with information on the proportionality of BME and female PCSO officers and the improving sickness rates.

Members requested that the Finance Committee receive a report providing details on the income received from PCSO services.

Resolved - That

1. the report be noted and the Authority continue to support the work being undertaken to fully integrate PCSOs into MPS core policing;
2. delegated authority be given to Commissioner, to exercise the MPA’s powers under section 92 of the Police Act 1996 (power to receive grants from local authorities) to take forward the cost sharing initiatives with local authorities, subject to the Chief Executive and Clerk approving model terms and conditions for grants to be received from local authorities, and for the Chief Executive and Clerk to enter into appropriate agreements recording the terms agreed for each grant;
3. agreement be given to fund the minimum model of the IBO staffing with the income generated from the Safer Transport initiative, the cost sharing initiative and the transition of TOCU from traffic wardens to PCSOs; and
4. a report be presented to the Finance Committee on the income received from PCSO services.

98. Strategic priorities: initial measures and targets

(Agenda item 8)

At the full Authority meeting in November 2006 the business plan submission to the Mayor and GLA was approved. The business plan was now in the process of being refocused to form the annual policing plan for 2007/08 and members now received a report that outlined the progress on development of the 2007/08 plan. Members noted the development of the high level objectives and the measures and targets that would underpin the operational corporate priorities for 2007/08. A substantive report would be considered at the next Authority meeting, following consideration by the Planning, Performance and Review Committee.

In considering the report, members stressed the need for measures and targets to be established that are achievable. The Chair of the Authority indicated that he would like to see the plan focus on drugs and alcohol strategy. Members also asked that the business plan show how it would support local plans and local area agreements.

Members agreed that the plan should not include statements such as a ‘reduction crime in problem wards - baseline to be developed’. If it could not be developed then it should not be included in the plan.

Arising from the discussion on targets, the MPS agreed to circulate to members’ figures and costs of charging victims of crime for vehicle recovery and forensics.

Resolved – That

1. members note the progress on the development of the Annual Policing Plan; and
2. the comments made by members provide initial feedback on the proposed high-level objectives and developing measures and targets contained within this report, pending more substantive consideration at the Authority on 22 February 2007.

99. C3i/Airwave programme update

(Agenda item 9)

A report was received that provided a summary of the progress on the C3i/Airwave programme, which was on track for continued borough migration during 2007. The report summarised the progress and current status of the programme; an outline of a transition timeline; details of the communication strategy; benefits realisation; health and safety issues and usage on London underground. It also provided members with details of C3i delivery against business case; resources and tasking and training issues for Central Communications Command and Integrated Borough Operations Unit.

Members welcomed the progress being made on the C3i/Airwave programme. A number of points were raised including: clarification on coverage on the underground; location of aerials to support the programme and the retention of police officer posts within Central Communications Command (CCC).

Confirmation was given that there were gaps in the programme relating to the underground and it was noted that members would be provided with further details on these. The Chair of the Authority reminded members that there was an existing MPA policy on the use of aerials on buildings and it was confirmed that the contractor owned the aerials and therefore it was not therefore an MPS decision as to where they were sited. The Director of Information however, added that aerials were essential for the programme to be operational.

In relation to the retention to police officer posts in CCC, it was noted that it was an MPA recommendation to retain these posts to reduce potential risks and maintain a level of operational knowledge and expertise during the transition period and that this position would be reviewed.

The Chair, on behalf of the Authority requested that its thanks be noted to Reshard Auladin and Commander Ron McPherson for their work on this programme.

Resolved – That Members

1. note the status update outlined update and recognise the progress and achievements to date; and
2. endorse the plan to continue transition of C3i/Airwave Programme to its conclusion during 2007.

100. Progress on MPS E-crime strategy

(Agenda item 10)

Members received a report that provided an update on the development and implementation of an MPS e-crime strategy, in order to assimilate and co-ordinate best practice, training, industry liaison and intelligence for the benefit of MPS units, industry and the public.

Members welcomed the developments within the MPS in tackling this crime. In doing so, members stressed the need for co-ordination nationally and internationally in order meet the demands of this particular crime. Members suggested there was a need to engage with the private sector and in particular with internet companies in developing creative ways of tacking e-crime.

Members highlighted concerns that in reporting some e-crimes, some members of the public had not been issued with a crime number and the MPS were asked to ensure that such reports were properly recorded.

Resolved - That

1. the assessment of the external and internal e-crime issues confronting the MPS detailed in the report be noted;
2. the current progress of the developing MPS e- crime strategy is noted; and
3. the national issues and the MPS position in relation to them are noted.

101. Corporate Manslaughter Bill

(Agenda item 11)

Members considered a report that provided members with details of the draft Corporate Manslaughter Bill and in particular the new offence on the key aspects of the current common law offence of gross negligence manslaughter.

The report and the proposals of the Bill were considered at the Corporate Governance Committee at its meeting in December 2006 and the views of Committee were outlined in paragraph 13 of the report. Members of the Authority supported the views expressed by the Corporate Governance Committee.

Resolved – That the views outline in the paragraph 13 (a-d) of the report be supported and submitted to the APA and Home Office on behalf of the Authority.

102. External audit annual letter 2005/06

(Agenda item 12)

Following consideration by the Corporate Governance Committee at its meeting on 15 December 2006, members received a report that presented the external auditor’s annual letter for consideration.

Resolved – That the external auditor’s letter be received.

103. Commissioner’s update

(Agenda item 13)

Performance issues

The Commissioner presented performance information, comparing the period April – December 2006 with April – December 2005. He highlighted the continuing improvement in performance, in particular, the decline in most areas including robbery, violent crime and gun crime. Attention was drawn to the sanction detection rate increase in hate crimes (domestic violence, racist crime and homophobic crime) and he highlighted the considerable work being undertaken on the prevention of murders arising from domestic violence.

He agreed with members that in relation to public satisfaction there remained a high degree of dissatisfaction among BME victims of crime, despite the improvement in the sanction detection rate. He agreed that the way in which this information is obtained needed to be reviewed, possibly by extending the sample area.

Safer Neighbourhoods

The Commissioner confirmed that Teams were now in place across London and highlighted examples of the impact the teams were making. He confirmed that a review of the pilot scheme in Hammersmith and Fulham of providing PCSOs 24 hours a day was being undertaken and that the MPS would be considering other PCSO related issues such as the impact of the increasing number of PCSOs.

New Year honours

As part of the operational and non-operational news summary, the Commissioner drew member’s attention to a number of police officers and police staff who had been awarded New Year honours. These included the award of MBEs to Commander John McDowall, for services to policing; Inspectors David Mugridge and David Nasmyth-Miller for distinguished service during the 7 July London bombings and Mrs Comfort Omoko and Mr Bevan Powell for services to the police. He also highlighted the award of the QPM to a number of officers.

Operation and non-operation news

Members received details of operational and non-operational news since the last full Authority meeting in December. The Commissioner drew members’ attention to a number of operational successes that had been delivered by or assisted by PCSO officers, including an arrest for attempted murder; attempted armed rape; and detaining robbery suspects.

Other issues

The Commissioner confirmed that investigation into the death of Mr Alexander Litvinenko was ongoing and therefore no further comment could be made at this time.

In response to members’ concerns that scene of crimes officers, as opposed to police officers, attended burglaries he confirmed that it was MPS policy that if the perpetrator was not at the premises or the victim was not a vulnerable person, to send scene of crimes officers.

The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS were assisting with Operation Safeguard, although the impact on cell capacity had been limited to date. The Commissioner, however, in confirming the MPS needed to be supportive of the Home Office, agreed that that cell capacity issues should not deter the police from carrying out their role.

In response to members’ questions, the Commissioner provided an update on the recent court ruling in relation to the demonstration by Brian Haw in Parliament Square. The Commissioner briefly outlined the findings on this matter and confirmed that the original conditions issued to Mr Haw had been made following legal advice. He confirmed that MPS were considering an appeal to the ruling and would provided members were details on Mr Haw’s confiscated property.

Members drew the Commissioner’s attention to a recent radio programme in which it was reported that a Jewish officer had requested that he be allowed leave to attend a Synagogue on Fridays. The Commissioner confirmed that this request, along with similar requests from those of other faiths or indeed with other needs were considered, but always on the basis that the requirement of the Service had to be paramount.

The Chair asked that he be provided with a briefing on a case involving alleged child abuse where somebody had impersonated a pastor and where the CPS had decided there was insufficient evidence to take the case to court. He also asked that if there was a need for legislative change, and asked that it should be included in any future report on legislative change proposals.

Resolved - That the report be received.

104. Exclusion of Press and Public

(Agenda item 14)

Members agreed to receive the minutes (Part 2) of the Authority meting held on 19 December 2007. In doing so, there was no need to exclude the press or public from the meeting.

105. Minutes

(Agenda item 15)

Members considered the minutes (Part 2) of the meeting

The meeting ended at 1.40 pm

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