Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 25 February 2010 at Chamber, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA.

Present

Members

• Kit Malthouse (Chairman)
• Jennette Arnold
• John Biggs
• Faith Boardman
• Victoria Borwick
• Valerie Brasse
• Cindy Butts
• James Cleverly
• Dee Doocey
• Toby Harris
• Neil Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Clive Lawton
• Joanne McCartney
• Steve O’Connell
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Graham Speed

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Jane Harwood (Assistant Chief Executive)
• Bob Atkins (Treasurer)

MPS officers

• Sir Paul Stephenson (Commissioner)
• Tim Godwin (Deputy Commissioner).

68. Apologies for absence and announcements

(Agenda item 1)

68.1 Apologies for absence were received from Reshard Auladin (Vice Chairman), Christopher Boothman, Kirsten Hearn, Deborah Regal and Richard Tracey.

69. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

69.1 No declarations were made.

70. Minutes: 28 January 2010

(Agenda item 3)

71.1 Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 28 January 2010.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 28 January 2010 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

72. Chairman’s and Vice Chairman’s update

(Agenda item 4)

72.1 The Chairman informed the Authority of a number of meetings/events that he had attended since the last meeting of the Authority including:

• The in 8th Oxford Police Foundation Policy Forum: ‘Policing and Drugs: Is harm reduction the way forward?’
• Chaired Greenwich JEM
• Addressed delegates at London Problem Orientated Partnership Awards.
• Attended Strategic Command Course breakfast meeting.
• Confirmation Hearing Committee.
• Second meeting of the MPA/MPS Gangs Panel.
• Quarterly meeting with London Council and Police representatives.

72.2 In relation to the Confirmation Hearing Committee, the Chief Executive confirmed that the Mayor’s recommendations of Kit althouse and Reshard Auladin have been appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Authority.

72.3 The Chairman informed members that he had received expressions of interest from Tony Arbour to become a member of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee and the Human Resources and Remuneration Sub-Committee. The Chairman sought members to approve these appointments up until the annual meeting of the Authority 2010. (note: Tony Arbour subsequently also agreed to join the Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee and this appointment was taken under delegated authority by the Chief Executive.)

72.4 The Chairman agreed with members that as part of future discussions with the Metropolitan Black Police Association (MBPA) he would explore the mentoring scheme run by the MBPA for young black men and women interested in joining the police.

772.5 Members in welcoming the recommendation of the Confirmation Hearing Committee asked the Chairman to comment on his views on the future of the MPA. The Chairman stated that he felt that the MPA did have a continued purpose, but felt that its functioning and reliance could be improved. He stated that as mentioned at the Confirmation Hearing Committee he did feel there was a problem with the constitution of the MPA in that it was a conflicted organisation and therefore that caused some problems in the discharging of its duties. He added that he did not believe that as the MPA was currently constituted it did not diligently discharge its duty, but he did have concerns that there were fundamental structural conflicts.

Resolved – That

1. the Chairman’s and Deputy Chairman’s update be noted; and
2. Toby Arbour be appointed as a members of Strategic and Operational Policing Committee and the Human Resources and Remuneration Sub-Committee until the annual meeting of the Authority 2010.

73. Commissioner’s Report

(Agenda item 5)

Performance issues

73.1 The Commissioner presented a report summarising the progress of the MPS against the objectives in the Policing London 2009-2012 Business Plan. The report covered the periods December 2009 and January 2010 with data for individual measures reflecting the rolling year ended 31 December 2009 and references made to the financial year to date were for the period April to December 2009.

73.2 In presenting the performance report, the Commissioner highlighted key points around performance and these included:

• Total notifiable offences were down by 2.4% which equates to over 17,000 fewer offences.
• Prior to his comments on the improvement of homicide figures the Commissioner stated that any homicide was a tragedy and the MPS were never complacent. He reported that homicide remained significantly down with 31 fewer murders than the same period last year.
• Most serious violence is down by just over 1%, which is a reduction of 103 offences.
• Burglary had increased by some 3.8%, however this increase was steadily declining and he added that since December there was a drop in the number of offences. As part of the offensive against burglary, since the reintroduction of Operation Bumblebee 440 to 450 arrests had been made, including quite a number for burglary.

Rape

73.3 The Commissioner highlighted the increase in rape as a challenging area. He stated that compared to the same point last year there was an increase in reported offences of rape of just over 500 which was of serious concern. He suggested that there could be a number of reasons for this increase including improved recording, confidence in reporting and the celebre incidents. The Commissioner informed members that the MPS had no evidence of an increase in actual offences but added that it would be both wrong and complacent to rule that out. He reminded members of the report being presented to the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee on the 4 March and prior to that meeting a members briefing at which it was hoped much more detail could be gone into reason for this increase.

73.4 The Commissioner confirmed to members that regarding the Reid case the MPS were currently considering the recommendations of an inquiry by the IPCC and that the MPS would be reporting back to the Authority on these.

Hate crime.

73.5 It was reported that domestic violence had decreased by approximately about 374 offences, and racist crime had increased by about just over 230 offences. Homophobic crime, had seen a considerable increase of approximately 236 offences a 25.7% increase. The Commissioner indicated that regarding homophobic crime he was confident that this was as a result of gay people having the confidence to report such crimes and added that this view was supported by a number of representatives of groups from within the gay community. Whist the confidence in the reporting aspect of this crime was positive, the Commissioner reminded members that with these ‘iceberg’ crimes there remained a considerable amount of under-reporting. He stated that the challenge for the MPS was to increase confidence and the reporting of this crime, but not be unaware that there could be a real increase in this crime generally.

Youth Homicide

73.6 Members were informed that there had been 12 fewer youth homicides a total of 10 for the year to date as against 22 in the same period the previous year. The Commissioner stated that one death was far too many, but putting this into context the figures are very significant reductions.

Youth crime

73.7 The Commissioner reported that the number of victims of youth violence and victims of serious youth violence had both reduced over the financial year with approximately 200 fewer victims. He added that knife crime also remained down with 122 fewer offences, but although the trend over recent months was reducing this reduction was getting much smaller. The Commissioner suggested part of the reason the reduction was getting smaller was due to the success of Operation Blunt and other suppression tactics, however, he did state that he believed that some tactics could have a limited shelf life. He then discussed preventing youth crime and highlighted a number of initiatives such as the Mayor’s Time for Action, cross-government department cooperation, issues around parenting, and schooling issues all of which are looking at good intervention which is critical for the reduction of youth crime. The Commissioner added that he was concerned that the media debate was always around the suppression, for which he was happy to be held to account for but often to the detriment of prevention which was not solely a MPS responsibility.

Crime figure reporting

73.8 As at previous Authority meetings the Commissioner raised concerns about the way in which crime is recorded and reported. He felt that on some occasions the way in which statistics are communicated could be misleading.

73.9 As an example he took intimation as opposed to actual weapons. He informed members that knife crime and gun crime figures included the issue of intimation and whilst an intimated weapon still causes huge amounts of fear, the fact that they were included in the general figures and unless the figures were contextualised it showed an inaccurate picture of the frequency of actual weapons usage. He stated that research into knife crime had shown that between 15% to 20% of all knife crime is intimation. In relation to gun crime he had similar concerns and he added that 54% of robberies are intimated without the weapon being present or visible.

773.10 The Commissioner felt that this was now an area that needed further debate, particularly as the figures were confusing to members of the public.

Operation Trident

73.11 The Commissioner stated that Trident gun crime continues to be a real concern. He reported that the increase in gun crimes was starting to reduce but it was still a significant increase. He informed members that in many incidents where firearms had been present they had been fired and in this area there was not many cases of intimation. He added that the MPS were continuing to focus efforts in this area.

Olympics

73.12 The Commissioner reported that MPS officers had attended the Vancouver Olympics. The Commissioner informed members that he was disappointed with some media report about officers attending the Games as this had proved an extremely important fact finding and learning process for the MPS, including joint working.

Issues raised by members

DNA

73.13 Members had submitted a number of questions in advance of the meeting relating to DNA including:

• What change in the policy on DNA resulted in the 65.5 percent budget reduction since its high point in 2008/2009? and what was the impact of this on policing?
• What actions are not being carried out in terms of DNA testing because of the budget reductions in that area?
• In 2008/9, the MPS granted 23.5% of requests from innocent people to have DNA records deleted. Whilst this is slightly above the average, some other forces granted a significantly higher proportion, with many well over 50%. Is there any particular reason why this proportion is so low in London, and what are you doing to ensure that the DNA records of innocent people are not retained?

73.14 The Commissioner stated that the change in policy had resulted in more effective management and that the budget reductions had resulted in no significant impact on operational capability. Regarding the deletion rate he stated that 23.5% quoted in the media was for the calendar years 2008 and 2009 combined. The combined percentage deletion rate for 2008 and 2009 now stood at 27.2% and he expected that figure to rise. The Commissioner informed members that the MPS awaited a change to legislation regarding deleting DNA and that it was a matter for Parliament to debate and the MPS to follow their adjudication. He confirmed that the MPS did consider requests for deletion from individuals who contacted them but did not review those that did not. He felt the removal of DNA before legislation would be improper, but did agree that the current situation of discretionary power to delete and this being carried out in different ways in different police forces was unsatisfactory.

73.15 Some members questioned if legislation would be forthcoming and asked if it was not what would the MPS position be on deleting DNA. Members were also concerned that damage could be done to community relations and also sought further details about how the MPS handled DNA issues from a consistency point of view. The Commissioner confirmed that DNA issues were handled through a single clearing house. The Chairman suggested that as the next meeting of the Civil Liberties Panel would be discussing this matter the remaining issues could be pursed further in that forum.

Reid case/IPCC report

73.16 A question was submitted in advance of the meeting that asked for an update on the review of the handling of the Reid case, now that the IPCC have concluded their investigation

73.17 The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS had received the report from the IPCC and that it was being considered by the Directorate of Professional Standards. The Commissioner confirmed that once the report had been fully reviewed the MPS would be reporting back to the Authority on its views.

Other questions

Rape

73.18 Members asked the Commissioner to comment on media reports that may or may not be true that rape was now becoming a choice of weapon for gangs and that not only were girls being raped but also their friends and members of their family.

73.19 The Commissioner shared members concerns about the report and confirmed that the MPS were in discussion with the report author. He added that the MPS were looking at this worrying development in gang culture. He highlighted improved intelligence and reviewing strategies to ensure that the MPS understood the differing threats being posed. He also added that the new Sapphire structures would be integrated with other areas of business to make sure that this type of issue was being picked up. Members welcomed these initiatives, but highlighted the need for the MPS to be more intelligence lead focussing on prevention as opposed to reactionary on these types of issues. Members also suggested that there was a need for evidence base information and an importance of sharing what had been learned and disseminating this throughout the organisation and into boroughs.

Phone tapping

73.20 Members asked the Commissioner to comment on the House of Commons Select Committee – Department for Culture, Media and Sport Committee which had considered the issue of phone tapping and in particular its criticism of the MPS for the way in which it handled the allegations in 2005/06 and that the MPS made a considered choice based on available resources not to investigate

73.21 The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS had noted the comments that had been made by the Select Committee, however, he felt that it was important to recognise that the inquiries had been solely concerned with phone tapping in accordance with Section 1 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, and had shown that in the vast majority of cases there was insufficient evidence to indicate that tapping had actually been achieved. The Commissioner added that the final indictment that was preferred by Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) was the subject of very careful deliberation, not just by the police, by the CPS and Queen’s Counsel and based on the technicality of the offence. He confirmed that decisions taken in 2006 regarding the scope of the investigation were based on the available evidence, the likelihood of securing prosecutions and that the MPS always considered police resources. Also, the Commissioner stated that in the MPS’s opinion, no new evidence had come to light to justify further investigation, and that is the view that has been endorsed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He therefore disputed that the MPS had acted in a cavalier manner and had ignored other comments.

73.22 Members also asked for clarification regarding the number of PIN numbers that had been effected and why subsequent freedom of information requests had indicated different numbers. The Commissioner confirmed that he did not have the information to hand but would ask colleagues to speak to members on this matter and the technicalities of this offence.

Crime figures

73.23 Arising from the Commissioner’s earlier comments on crime figure reporting, members asked for further details on the standard systems of crime figure reporting and the process for reviewing those standards. Members also asked in what way could the MPA influence any improvement to those standards.

73.24 The Commissioner stated that he had great sympathy with members and members of the public around crime figure reporting. The Deputy Commissioner informed members that crime recording standards were created through the Home Office in negotiation with ACPO with the aim to bringing in a new way of using crime statistics and to use this as a performance regime to compare 43 police forces. He outlined how the process currently works and gave examples of how the current structure can be misleading. He informed members that the MPS had made a number of requests to change the process, but understood that in doing so could lead to an accusation of manipulation figures.

773.25 The Chairman added that from an MPA point of view, the MPA publish the crime statistics on the website, these are extracted at a particular point in time at which the Home Office had a particular definition around crime. It had been agreed that the MPA would not change the way it presents its figures.

Confidence targets

73.26 Members asked the Commissioner about the apparent contradictions around confidence targets and if the MPS/MPA were making representation to the Government on whether the MPS should be focusing on centrally dictated targets rather than policing. Members were also concerned at the apparent contradicting surveys/questions that were asked and which made the situation more confusing. The Commissioner commented that he felt that it was important to measure confidence. He added that the MPS were working on the analysis of what the key drivers are in terms of confidence and keeping people informed. The Deputy Commissioner added that there was a need for work on variations between boroughs and developing connectivity through the neighbourhood panels. The Deputy Commissioner added Territorial Policing had undertaken a considerable amount of work in this area and offered members a full briefing if required.

Special Constables

73.27 Members asked the Commissioner for an update on the recruitment of special constables.

73.28 The Commissioner confirmed that following a slow start recruitment for special constables had increased. The Deputy Commissioner added that prior to the current recruitment drive, the MPS had looked at the reasons why special constables were leaving the service and it became clear that retention was as important as recruitment. Regarding retention it was often relatively small issues such as lack of space for kit or being poorly briefed. The Deputy Commissioner added that improvements were now in place such as having sergeants on every borough that specifically make sure the special constables needs are met and they are properly utilised. In relation to the current recruitment drive there were approximately 900 applicants with 36% from black and ethnic communities.

73.29 Members also asked a number of other questions about special constables which included:

• What was the position where there is pressure on police numbers and where specials clearly have a role to play in providing policing cover and to what extent their role substitutes for a loss of fulltime police officers.
• How did boroughs utilise special constables differently
• Did specials feel suitably embedded into the organisation.
• Retention remained an issue and there was a need to look at terms and conditions and number of hours.
• Accommodation issues and facilities, including office space,
• It was also important to focus on quality as well as number of special constables.

73.30 The Commissioner agreed with members that special constables needed to be valued and that often simple issues such as them being expected, properly briefed, having the right equipment and them having a feeling that they are valued and contributing are important. The Deputy Commissioner agreed that there was a need to consider better accommodation and facilities.

73.31 As part of the discussion on special constables, members also highlighted the contribution of police cadets and noted that there were around 2,000. The Chairman reminded members that the Communities, Equalities and People Committee in May would be receiving a report on specials. /p>

Dispersal Zones

73.32 Members noted the success of a disposal zone in two wards in Bexley which had resulted in a 73% reduction in anti-social behaviour calls to the police. The Commissioner confirmed that further zones would be rolled out across London; however, there was a need to engage in partnership working with local authorities to identify locations and to formulate a strategy to ensure that the anti social behaviour is not transferred to another area.

Report into the death of Blair Peach

73.33 The Commissioner confirmed that the report into the investigation of the death of Blair Peach was still subject to consideration by Counsel. The Commissioner reiterated that he was committed to the release of the report, but it had to be undertaken following due process and in association with Mr Peach’s family. He could not at this stage confirm when the report would be released.

Road casualty target

73.34 Members welcomed the decrease in the number of people killed or seriously injured in road traffic collisions. In doing so, members asked the Commissioner if he now felt that the target should be adjusted. The Commissioner also welcomed the decline but did not feel at this time the target should be adjusted and the aim should be for a continuing reduction.

Tackling corruption

73.35 Members asked the Commissioner to comment on tackling corruption within the MPS. The Commissioner acknowledged with regret that in an organisation the size of the MPs there would be corruption. However, he was confident that internal processes were robust enough to prevent, identify and tackle corruption and he reiterated that the MPS had to be both vigilante and aware of the constant challenge that corruption can pose to the organisation.

73.36 The Chairman proposed that the MPA should initiate a scrutiny on corruption, particularly around current processes that are in place to prevent it.

Satisfaction gap BME/white victims of crime

73.37 It was agreed that the report scheduled to go to Strategic and Operation Policing Committee on Satisfaction gap BME/white victims of crime should now be presented to Communities, Equalities and People Committee.

Resource Allocation Formula (RAF)

73.38 The Commissioner confirmed that members would be provided with a briefing on RAF.

Appointment of senior officers

73.39 Members and the Commissioner discussed who should be responsible for the recruitment, conduct, discipline and performance of senior MPS officers. A number of members felt that the balance of responsibility should lay more with the Commissioner, while some members suggested that current arrangements, where the Commissioner is consulted and his views are taken into account and where shared responsibility of appointments was preferable.

73.40 Members asked the Commissioner for his view on this issue and he reiterated his personal view that now that accountability was clearer then the Commissioner should have the chance to succeed and be accountable so therefore he or she should be able to choose his or her chief officer team. He added that in his view it was about changing the balance and that any selection of senior staff should not be done in isolation, but not as currently undertaken in consultation. He felt that this should not just apply to selection but to conduct, discipline and performance. In response to members who asked if borough commanders should be allowed to appoint their own teams, the Commissioner stated that while there was a legitimate role for borough commanders to be involved in the selection of their teams, if the Commissioner is the person being held to account there should be central involvement.

Resolved – That the report be received.

74. Civil liberties panel-public order policing

(Agenda item 6)

74.1 This item was withdrawn.

75. MPA calendar of meetings

(Agenda item 7)

75.1 A report was considered that proposed the MPA calendar of meetings for the period September 2010 to July 2011.

Resolved - That the calendar of meetings for the period September 2010 to July 2011 be approved.

76. Reports from committees

(Agenda item 8)

76.1 The Authority received a report outlining key issues that had been considered at recent Authority Committee meetings. The report covered the following meetings:

• Communities, Equalities and People Committee – 14 January 2010
• Finance and Resources Committee – 21 January 2010
• Strategic and Operational Policing - 4 February 2010
• Finance and Resources Committee – 11 February 2010

Resolved - That the reports from Committees be received.

77. Action taken under delegated authority

(Agenda 9)

77.1 Members received a report that outlined action taken under delegated authority by the Chief Executive on the grounds of urgency.

Resolved - That the report be received.

78. Any other urgent business

(Agenda item 9)

78.1 There were no items of urgent business

The meeting closed at 12.00 noon.

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