Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 29 March 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
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Elizabeth Howlett
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney
• Karim Murji
• Aneeta Prem
• John Roberts
• Richard Sumray
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• David Riddle (Deputy Chief Executive)
• Ken Hunt (Treasurer)
• Nick Baker (Head of Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Sir Ian Blair (Commissioner)
• Paul Stephenson (Deputy Commissioner)
• AC Tim Godwin
• DAC Alfred Hitchcock
• Chief Superintendent Steve Bloomfield
• Sharon Burd (Acting Director of Resources)

120. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies were received from, Peter Herbert, Damian Hockney Nicky Gavron, Bob Neill and Graham Tope.

121. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

No declarations were declared.

122. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 25 January 2007 and 22 February 2007 (Part 1).

Resolved – That the minutes of the Authority meetings held on 25 January 2007 and 22 February 2007 (Part 1) be agreed and signed as a correct record.

123. Minutes of committees

(Agenda item 4)

The minutes of the following committees were received for information:

• Professional Standards and Complaints Committee 8 February 2007
• Planning, Performance and Review Committee (special) – 14 February 2007.
• Co-ordination and Policing Committee – 1 March 2007

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

124. Chair's update

(Agenda item 5)

The documentation relating agenda item 8 (MPA Disability Equality Scheme 2006-09 had not been circulated in sufficient time for members to consider. With the agreement of members, the Chair proposed and it was agreed that this item be deferred to the April meeting of the full Authority.

125. Every Child Matters

(Agenda item 6)

A report was considered that provided members with an outline of police authorities’ duties, as outlined in the Children Act 2004. The report also provided an outline of APA guidance, produced to assist police authorities meet their legal requirements by 2008, as set out in Every Child Matters. Members noted that the APA guidance had been developed in collaboration with the Planning, Performance and Review Committee (PPR) Chair, ACPO and MPA officers. the PPR Committee had considered the report on 16 January 2007 and the Chair of the Authority invited Richard Sumray, as Chair of that Committee to initiate the debate.

He reminded members that the background of the Children’s Act arose following the inquiry into the death of Victoria Climbié. He outlined the collaborative work between the MPA, APA and ACPO and suggested in taking this issue forward, regular update report should be presented to PPR Committee and Co-ordination and Policing Committee (CoP) and that the MPA should establish a small working group to review current and future MPA/MPS youth policies and strategies. In addition, he suggested that the small working group, be supported by and engage with young people to assist in the review and in development of future policies and strategies.

Members welcomed the report, although some members suggested that there already existed enough engagement with children and young people. In supporting the recommendations and development of a small working group, closely supported by engagement with a group of young people, members highlighted the need to ensure that any recommendations are ‘drilled down’ to a borough level. It was also suggested that there was need to engage with local partners, such as PCCGs and CDRPs and to ensure that delivery at the local level was co-ordinated and supported by appropriate training to officers and staff.

The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS’s commitment to this process and outlined changes within the Service that had already taken place in relation to the protection of children and their welfare.

In supporting the recommendations, the Chair of the Authority also supported wider engagement with local partners and suggested that the MPA/MPS should engage with those agencies previous mentioned as well as Safeguard Boards and local authority cabinet member with responsibilities for children and/or young people.

Members agreed that a further report on implementation and a framework for delivery be presented to the September meeting of CoP.

Resolved - That

1. the Planning, Performance and Review Committee consider the template for oversight of Police Service Policy and agree a committee timetable for 2007/08;
2. the full Authority and PPR Committee members agree to a cross business approach to the implementation of Every Child Matters overseen by the PPR Committee Chair in close collaboration with the EODB;
3. the full Authority agree to the proposed APA guidelines;
4. a working group be established, working with young people to review of MPS youth policy and strategy, which would report back to CoP at regular intervals; and
5. CoP Committee receive a report at its September meeting on the implementation and framework for delivery.

126. Ratification of an independent member

(Agenda item 7)

The Authority was asked to approve the appointment of Faith Boardman as an Independent member of the MPA for a four-year term from 30 March 2007, subject to receipt of Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance.

Resolved – That Faith Boardman subject to receipt of CTC clearance, be appointed as an Independent member of the MPA for a four-year term from 30 March 2007.

127. MPA Disability Equality Scheme 2006 – 2009

(Agenda item 8)

As referred to at minute 124, this report was deferred to the April meeting of the Authority.

Resolved – That the report be deferred to the April meeting of the full Authority.

128. Revenue budget 2007/08

(Agenda item 9)

The full Authority at its meeting on 19 December 2006 approved the MPS draft corporate business plan, which formed the budget submission to the Mayor for 2007/08 – 2009/10.

The Authority now considered a report that presented the final detailed MPA/MPS budget for approval and that set out the proposed allocations for the 2007/08 budget to business groups, taking account of updates since approval of the Mayor’s budget in February 2007, including allocation of some centrally held budgets and other budget changes and transfer across budget groups.

Members sought clarification on the planned increase of 272 officers outlined in the report and the MPS undertook to provide a note to members on this matter. In response to members’ suggestion that the MPS, as part of the budget process, needed to undertake zero based budgeting, it was noted that this was likely to be considered as part of the next budget process. The Chair of the Authority also stated that he supported zero budgeting in certain areas.

The Acting Director of Resources confirmed that the additional 2006/07 capital grant of £6,552m would be utilised in 2007/08, with details being presented to the next Finance Committee.

Resolved – That

1. the final MPS/MPA revenue budget for 2007/08 be approved; and
2. the Prudential Indicators given at Appendix 3 to the report be approved.

129. Criminal Justice strategic overview

(Agenda item 10)

Members considered a report that provided details of a strategic overview of criminal justice. Assistant Commissioner Tim Godwin provided members with details of major developments in criminal justice in London in recent years and how relationships between major criminal justice agencies had developed. He also outlined details of the ‘London Plan 2007/09’, established by the London Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) that supported the concept of criminal justice being a service as opposed to a system and which would assist the LCJB deliver a co-ordinated and ambitious reform programme for criminal justice in London.

The Commissioner and members welcomed the report and congratulated Assistant Commissioner Tim Goodwin on his contribution to the development and review of the criminal justice system.

Members, particularly those with magistrate expertise, confirmed the improvements within the criminal justice system, however, there was concern about the increasing number of cases not coming to court but being dealt with at police stations either by way of fines or cautions or by way of plea bargaining. Concern was also expressed about the quality and timeliness of reports from the Probation Service, which it acknowledged was under resourced.

Members also sought clarification on the pilot of conditional cautioning in Hillingdon, Ealing and Hounslow. It was confirmed that conditional cautioning was being adopted nationally, and that the pilot was being undertaken prior to roll out across London.

Some concern was expressed that new Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) staff were not subject to the same or as rigorous vetting procedure as police officers and staff Members were informed that following discussions with the CPS, new CPS staff would be vetted under the same procedure as police officers/staff.

Members noted Appendix 1 to the report, which provided a note on race and equality impact in the context of policing immigration, and requested that details of equality impact assessments be circulated to members. It was also noted that the MPA’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board would be considering this issue and had included it on its work programme. In relation to immigration issues and associated pilots members asked that these are monitored and any early lessons or areas of concerns be dealt with promptly. This was felt to be vital in order not to undo or damage work already undertaken with communities. Members also suggested that assurances were needed that custody sergeants with discretionary powers were appropriately trained. Confirmation was given that discussions were on-going with the Immigration Service about the trafficking of children and them being placed in police cells. It was also noted that in relation to trafficking of women the MPS were pursing those perpetrating this crime and that the Immigration Service would be dealing with those who were in the country illegally.

In welcoming virtual courts, members asked if police stations had suitable accommodation and correct information was available and the MPS agreed that there was a need to look at this further, particularly, from the point of view of the victims and witnesses.

In response to members, it was noted that any developments arising from the review of criminal justice and any impact on the estate would brought back to the MPA as a business case. In respect of the custody centre at Leyton, it was confirmed that this was still scheduled but was subject to planning permission.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

130. MPA and NHS joint review of mental health and policing

(Agenda item 11)

A report was received providing the Authority with an update on mental health and policing and the progress on the implementation of the recommendations by the MPS of the MPA/NHS joint review of policing and mental health which were published in October 2005.

In welcoming the report, members recognised that the delivery of some of the recommendations had been affected by reorganisations within the health service. However, it was not felt that there was a need to re-emphasise the recommendations and drive forward to delivery. It was suggested that this should be a key aim of the Programme Board, with Patient Care Trusts engaging in the process fully. It was also suggested that there could be scope for a further conference on mental health and policing.

Resolved – That the report be received.

131. Independent Advisory Group Review 2007

(Agenda item 12)

The Chair proposed that before detailed consideration of the review of independent advisory groups; it would be useful for members to meet informally to discuss issues prior to the report being presented to a Authority meeting. Members supported the proposal.

Resolved – That

1. an informal meeting of members be arranged to discuss the review in independent advisory groups; and
2. following the informal meeting of members, their views be considered by the MPS and the report be presented to a future meeting of the Authority.

132. ‘Kickz’ programme update

(Agenda item 13)

Members considered a report that provided details of the Kickz football project. The project, which is a national social inclusion and youth diversion programme, was established following discussions between the MPA/MPS and the main football authorities when looking at costs incurred by the MPA in policing football matches in London.

The report provided an outline of the aims, objectives and project development of the Kickz project, the change from a London based to a national project, details of projects in London, the long term plan and finally the monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Resolved – That the report be noted and the Authority continue to support the work currently taking place.

133. Commissioner’s update

(Agenda item 14)

Prior to providing members with his update, the Commissioner confirmed that the Government had decided to split functions of the Home Office. He added that a key aim of the proposals was that police issues and counter terrorism would remain together.

Performance issues

The Commissioner presented performance information and figures, comparing the period April 2005-February 2006. In presenting the performance figures, the Commissioner informed members’ that they were the most improved figures since 1998/99.

Safer neighbourhoods

The Commissioner updated members on the implementation and roll out of the safer neighbourhoods programme. In doing so, he highlighted the 11,000 public meetings teams had been held, attended by 170,000 people. He also informed the Authority that teams had closed down around 400 crack houses.

Operational and non-operational news

The Commissioner drew members’ attention to both operational and non-operational issues that had taken place since the last meeting of the Authority. These included: the arrest of 22 people involved in producing illegal passports; the release of a man who had been kidnapped; a man charged with the attempted murder of a police officers; the sentencing of animal right activists; and the work of specialist crime, SOCA and the Dutch authorities in the arrest of a man and seizure of a number of firearms.

Other matters

Public Order

The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS had been present at the first event to be held at the new Wembley Stadium. The event proved a success; however, he added that events at the Stadium would have an impact on policing.

Murders of young people London

The Commissioner provided members with an update on the recent murders of a number of young people in London. He confirmed that he had attended a number of meetings relating to the murders, and confirmed that he had also meet with community leaders from the five boroughs concerned. He also confirmed that a number of arrests had been made. He highlighted the work being undertaken by the London Community Safety Board and its sub groups, which had been focusing on such issues as victims of crimes; gangs, guns and crime and the involvement of local authorities and partners, including the MPA, MPS government departments and GLA in its work. The Commissioner, highlighted the need for work to be undertaken by agencies and partners on providing a safe exit for those wanting to leave gangs and for there to be a clear understanding about young people and gangs. He added that agencies and partners needed to be aware of the threat to younger people particularly those whose siblings or friends were involved with gangs, in doing so he reiterated that this was not about demonising children or young people.

Members supported the comments made by the Commissioner and the need for a much better understanding of gangs and their attraction. In doing so, they stressed that not all gangs were linked to crime and the importance of understanding that gangs were not isolated to certain areas or boroughs of London and to understand that they are cross-borough or operate along transport routes. Members stressed the importance of learning from those areas with problems with gangs quickly in order to deal with the growing problem London wide and requested that an analysis of this information be provided.

Members felt there was a need for improvements in the resourcing of voluntary organisations that support young people; the need to understand why young people feel more comfortable talking to the press than the police about issues; the need to develop role models and engage with parents about their perception of gangs; the need to look at what schemes or programmes for young people are supported and if they are delivering or are value for money; for CDRPs to have and promote a drugs strategy; to understand that in some cases gangs were closely linked with knife crime and drugs and understand why do young people feel safer to be in a gang. Members were concerned that some young people see violence as a ‘right of passage’ and the Commissioner commented that whilst robbery offences had decreased, most robberies were committed by young people on other young people.

The Chair of the Authority endorsed the comments made by members and the Commissioner and added that whilst there was an urgent need to have a better understanding of gangs and to develop early intervention, there was also a need not to fall into a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction and to plan long term in tacking some of the issue associated with gangs. He stressed the importance that this process should be undertaken not in an alarmist manner as such an approach could have a detrimental effect and encourage young people into gangs for protection for example.

Arising from members’ comments, the Commissioner suggested that consideration be given to the value of holding a joint MPA/MPS/GLA conference on gang, guns and crime, possibly during Peace Week in September.

Peter Woodhams

The Deputy Commissioner provided members with an update on the inquiry into the background to the murder of Peter Woodhams in Newham and in doing so, expressed condolences to the Mr Woodham’s family.

The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that the IPCC investigation into the investigation of the assault on Mr Woodhams was on-going and without wishing to affect that investigation, the MPS had decided to review procedures in Newham borough and as a result of the review there had been a reduction in violent crimes in the borough.

Legal appeals by the MPS

It was noted that the MPS was appealing against legal decisions relating to the critical mass cycle event and Brian Haw’s demonstration in Parliament Square. In relation to the cycle event, the Commissioner informed that Authority that the appeal was considered necessary as the event organisers continued to fail to inform the MPS of details of route for the event which was contrary to Section 11 of the Public Order Act. The Commissioner confirmed that Mr Haw had been written to regarding his property, which had been removed from Parliament Square, informing him that he could collect it. Some members were unhappy at the decision to appeal these cases and it was suggested that the MPS having removed and taken Mr Haw’s property, should return it.

Estate matters

The Commissioner’s attention was brought to those properties and sites that had been disposed of, but still retained police signage etc. He agreed that this was inappropriate and would ask for these to be removed.

Resolved - That the report be received.

134. Exclusion of Press and Public

(Agenda item 15)

A resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting during remaining item 16 on the agenda as it was likely to disclose exempt information as described in Schedule 12(a) (para 4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Resolved - That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of item 16 on the agenda.

135. Minutes

(Agenda item 16)

Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 22 February 2007 (Part 2).

Resolved – That the minutes of the Authority meetings held on 22 February 2007 (Part 2) be agreed and signed as a correct record.

The meeting ended at 1.00 pm
 

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