Minutes

Minutes of the meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 22 July 2010 at City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (Vice Chairman in the Chair)
• Tony Arbour
• Jennette Arnold
• Faith Boardman
• Christopher Boothman
• Victoria Borwick
• Valerie Brasse
• Cindy Butts
• James Cleverly
• Dee Doocey (items 1-6)
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Jenny Jones (items 1-5)
• Clive Lawton
• Joanne McCartney
• Steve O’Connell (items 1-6)
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Valerie Shawcross

MPA officers

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

MPS officers

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

12. Apologies for absence and announcements

(Agenda item 1)

12.1 Apologies for absence were received from Kit Malthouse (Chairman), John Biggs, Neil Johnson and Graham Speed.

12.2 Members sought clarification about the removal from office of members due to non-attendance. The Chief Executive confirmed that standing orders stated if a member did not attend for a period of longer than three consecutive months, without the consent of the Authority, removal could take place. She added that she would circulate to members the extract from the standing orders.

12.3 The Chairman reminded members of the MPA ‘Have your say on policing in London’ consultation.

12.4 He added that the consultation, which informs the Policing London Business Plan, was important and MPA staff are working hard to encourage more people, including businesses, to take part and give their views on what the police in London should be prioritising. He informed members that the consultation had got off to a good start with over 200 Londoners having completed a full online questionnaire and the shorter tick box questionnaires has been completed by over 400 people at community events across London attended by Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and MPA staff. He encouraged all members to us to promote participation in the consultation at every opportunity.

13. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

13.1 No declarations of interest were made.

14. Minutes: 24 June 2010

(Agenda item 3)

14.1 Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 24 June 2010.

14.2 Members asked that minute 8.7 be amended to read that ‘Whilst some members were generally supportive of the proposals and welcomed the MPS use of creativity in attempting to minimise costs, some members did not support the proposals and felt that they could not endorse the proposals until the issues and concerns that had been raised had been addressed.

14.3 It was also noted that Tony Arbour was at the meeting and his name should added to those present.

14.4 Members sought clarification about filling vacancies of committees and sub-committees and it was noted that these would be considered following the appointment to the independent member vacancy.

Resolved – That, subject to amendments above, the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 24 June 2010 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

15. Petition

(Agenda item 4)

15.1 A petition has presented to the Authority by Ken Livingstone and which asked the MPA and the Mayor to reconsider decisions about police numbers

15.2. The petition which has been signed by approximately 400 people and states:

‘We call on the Tory led Metropolitan Police Authority and the Tory Mayor Boris Johnson to reverse the decision to cut 455 police officers and guarantee the future of London’s dedicated 630 safer neighbourhood police teams.’

15.3 In presenting the petition Ken Livingstone stated that he felt that the question of policing in this city over the last decade had been a success story, with an increase police numbers from under 26,000 a decade ago to 32,000, and 4,000 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), has helped in a reduction in crime. He added that the roll out of Safer Neighbourhood Teams had been a contributing factor to a reduction in the fear of crime with people seeing a policing presence on their streets. Mr Livingstone stated that he felt that the reason for this was the significant changes and increases in the precept in order to pay for more police on the street and an undertaking both himself, when the Mayor, the then Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, the Assembly and the Police Federation that every penny found from savings and reorganisation within the force would go into extra police in order to tackle crime. Those savings and changes in the way policing are managed were switched into extra police with initially an extra 300 police officers. He added that from 2004 the roll out of neighbourhood teams proved both popular and successful and fully supported by all Assembly Members.

15.4 He added that both crime and the fear of crime still continued to fall, although there was still some way to go. He highlighted youth violence and expressed the view that the majority of Londoners did not see this as the time to reduce police numbers. He also suggested that if a better way of using police time was found to be beneficial that should be supported, but he added that the police released from less productive duties could be used to supplement policing on the streets. He stated that the development of Safer Neighbourhood Teams; extending the hours much more into the evening and up towards midnight would be a good way forward.

15.5 In conclusion he stated that many people who voted in the recent elections assumed that policing in London would be protected. He hoped the consensus that was cross party and unanimous in the eight years after 2000 to increase policing would be one that the Authority and the Mayor could continue to hold to in what are going to be very difficult years to come.

15.6 The Chief Executive responded:

15.7 The decision to streamline the staffing of custody suites throughout the Metropolitan Police, releasing 550 police officers from administrative duties and replacing them with designated detention officers was discussed several times by members during 2008 and the final decision to go ahead was confirmed by the Co-ordination and Planning Committee, chaired by Len Duvall, then Chair of the Authority. The savings that accrued from this change were built into the budget approved by the then Mayor and the Assembly for 2009-10 and subsequently. The history of the reforms stemmed from the 2004 Service Improvement Review into Custody Capacity which identified significant inefficiencies and risks to the safety of detainees.

15.8 The net effect of the custody reforms is the availability of an extra 550 police officers for front line duties. The linked reduction of 455 in overall policing numbers must be measured against the increased hours of duty on the streets of London. The decision by the previous Authority to take this step was judged by the current Chair and membership to be sensible and the savings that accrue continue to be reflected in the budget.

15.9 On the subject of safer neighbourhood teams the MPA, the current Chair, Kit Malthouse and indeed the Commissioner have consistently made it clear that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of local crime fighting and must remain so. Given the need to achieve substantial savings across all public sector budgets the Authority cannot rule out examining the case for greater efficiencies in the provision of neighbourhood policing but the intention is to continue to operate with safer neighbourhood teams across London.

15.10 I hope this response will reassure those who have signed this petition”.

15.11 The Chairman invited Mr Livingstone to respond and he stated that this was possibly the first time in a decade where the headline number was coming down and he questioned the increased use of overtime rather than creating new jobs which he felt had implications.

15.12 The Chairman then invited members comment.

15.13 Some members pointed out that the petition was seeking to ‘guarantee the future of London’s dedicated 630 safer neighbourhood police teams’ and that as previously discussed at Authority meetings over the next three years there would be a budget gap growing up to £444 million. If this was the case then some members felt that there was going to be a fundamental challenge to the ability of the organisation to provide policing adequately in London and drew attention to the community’s strong and committed support of safer neighbourhood policing and that this should be considered in future debates.

15.14 Some members drew attention of the need of the Authority to face the future financial challenges and which were due to the financial mismanagement of the previous Government. It was also pointed out that in the Chief Executive’s response, Operation Herald had been introduced and supported by Mr Livingstone when he was Mayor and that the petition seemed to be objecting to his own policy. Members supported the safer neighbourhood concept, but some members indicated that due the financial climate and the challenges this posed for the Authority that safer neighbourhood teams needed to be looked at to ensure that they are working effectively and efficiently. On this basis a number of members stated that they could not support the petition. Alternatively, some members indicated that nobody disagreed with the concept of Operation Herald and that the petition stated that in total the number of police officers was going to be cut and that that was the difference between what was initially proposed under the previous Authority and the current one. In addition, recent comments made by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Association of Chief Police Officers indicated that there would be effects on safer neighbourhood teams.

15.15 The Chairman reminded members that the petition was presented to be noted. A number of members in recognising that it was to be noted and that the Authority and MPS faced financial challenges, asked the Chairman for reassurances around front line police numbers and that as these issues were considered in the future they were done at an early stage and with involved all members.

15.16 As part of the debate a number of members, whist acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the Authority and MPS stressed the importance of focusing on police effectiveness and not focusing solely on police numbers.

15.17 Arising from the discussion and following a point of order, the Chief Executive outlined the standing order relation to the presentation of petitions to the Authority.

Resolved – That the petition be received.

16. Commissioner’s report

(Agenda item 5)

Budget

16.1 The Commissioner opened his report with a statement on the budget.

16.2 He confirmed that the MPS were currently working on future budgets, with the Authority, in a very uncertain situation and at a stage where was limited definitive information available to consider, until the outcome of the Comprehensive Spending Review in October.

16.3 He added that in considering the budget he was absolutely committed to maintaining operational capability, delivering efficient and effective support services at the lowest possible cost, and getting the most out of our resources. The MPS were already looking at systems and processes to reduce costs, procurement costs and managements own costs. The Commissioner also stated that safer neighbourhood policing was a hugely important part of policing London and the benefits that had arisen from safer neighbourhood policing had been, in his opinion, provable and tangible and not something that the MPS would ever want to lightly give up.

16.4 The Commissioner informed members that the Authority and MPS were facing an unprecedented financial challenge and as clarification around figures had not been given this was a particularly difficult to progress at this stage. He suggested that if the Home Office received a 25% cut then MPS would need to know the outcome of what this means to the MPS and also what would happen to specific grants and funding streams beyond that 25%. He added that there needed to be an understanding of what was going to happen in terms of how that finance was distributed and neither did he know at this stage what the effect on other agencies to whom the MPS effectively supply services and get paid may have on police numbers. Therefore at this stage there was a lot yet to be defined.

16.5 The Commissioner reminded members that 78% to 80% of the MPS budget is ‘pay-line’ and if there were to be a 25% reduction this would have an impact and that the MPS would shrink. The result of this was that the MPS would be required to make some serious decisions on what can and on what cannot be done and this he was sure would be form basis of future discussions.

Performance issues

16.6 The Commissioner presented a report summarising recent performance in the MPS, as well as operational and initiatives designed to tackle crime and make London safer.

16.3 In relation to performance, the Commissioner confirmed that the report was slightly behind with current figures and that it gave figures up till April 2010. In addition, the Commissioner gave up to date figures till June 2010.

16.4 For the first three months of this financial year total notifiable offences continue to fall, and were marginally down, by 0.8%. That is just over 1,600 fewer offences.

Confidence Measure

16.5 The Commissioner reminded members of the recent Home Office announcement to abolish the policing pledge and the national confidence measure. Whilst he welcomed any removal of central targets he added that confidence remained an important issue and that the MPS remained focused on safety, confidence and value for money. He confirmed that it remained the MPS mission to make communities more and more confident in the work that the MPS do and he reiterated that the absence of a target did not, in any way, downgrade the importance of the issue.

16.6 The Commissioner turned to the latest British crime survey confidence results which showed the percentage of people who agree that police and local councils are dealing with anti-social behaviour. The Commissioner reiterated that he felt that this measure was too broad and that it should be about the police and not the police and local councils. Nevertheless, on that measure, he confirmed that it had risen to 54.7% for the financial year ending 2009/10 from a figure of 49.3% in 2008/09, a seven percentage point increase. He added that the MPS were currently at number one in our most similar forces’ comparison and that the recent Home Office report Crime in England and Wales 2009/10 stated that London had a statistically significantly higher confidence than the rest of England and Wales, but there was much more to do.

User satisfaction

16.7 The Commissioner informed members of the latest user satisfaction survey results which were also modestly pleasing. Overall satisfaction rose to 79.1% for the first quarter of this financial year. In respect of satisfaction of both black and minority ethnic (BME) victims and white victims both showed an improvement in the first quarter, but he remained aware of the gap which had been previously discussed at Authority meetings. The Commissioner added that following the discussion around future budgets, it was recognised that members of the BME communities, more than other communities, used inquiry desks, but these were costly to operate and maintain. He suggested that there were going to have to be some important discussions, some of which are uncomfortable, about how many of these things can be afforded and how the public can access policing in a way that is fitting for the 21st century and actually matches needs.

16.8 He confirmed that the MPS continued to work very hard to improve satisfaction overall and the Commissioner highlighted such initiatives such as Street a Week campaign and building on public briefings

More serious violence

16.9 The Commissioner informed members that more serious violence, one of the MPS key priorities, was down by over 20% and that the MPS remained ahead of its target. He confirmed that a large part of the decline could be attributed to a reduction in more serious crime where a knife is used and that this was down by 14.3%.

Gun related crime

16.10 Members were informed that overall gun crime was down by 3%, however, whilst the Commissioner was pleased about the decline these are small numbers, 25 fewer offences. He added that with small numbers the percentage up and down is very dynamic. The Commissioner reported that gun enabled robberies were down by 5.7%. He again added that whilst that reduction was pleasing, the challenge remains to reduce it further and he had concerns about discharge of firearms because that had increased by over 10% (which is 19 additional offences).

Domestic Violence

16.11 The Commissioner reported a reduction in the number of reported domestic violence offences over the same period compared with 2009. Whilst he was pleased that the downward trend was continuing he remained very cautious because he was aware that domestic violence remained an under reported crime. He reminded members of previous discussion around domestic violence and the work that the MPS were undertaking in continuing to reduce it and in doing so of the contribution this made to the reduction in homicide in London. He added that the MPS anticipated a peak in reported offences due to factors such as the World Cup and the recent warm weather; however, relatively low levels of reported domestic violence were seen around that time, which was encouraging. He suggested that a recent awareness campaign may have been productive in this reduction.

Hate Crimes

16.12 The Commissioner reported that hate crimes were also down, although again he stated this with caution as these were also subject to under reporting.

Challenging areas

16.13 The Commissioner highlighted a number challenging areas.

16.14 Most serious violence offences with knife where a knife has been used to injure were down by 5.9%, but overall knife crime was up by 4%. The Commissioner stated that it continued to be driven, largely, by knife enabled robberies. However, he added that interestingly, other knife crimes, with robberies removed, had shown a reduction. It remained very clear area of concern and the Serious Crime and Territorial Policing Directorates were working on this issue.

16.15 The Commissioner reported that, along with Operation Blunt 2, there were some ongoing operational initiatives that were sensitive at that moment in time and it was hoped that this would bring further impacts on reducing both robbery and on gang related violence. He also highlighted a number of initiatives and events with schools such as the recent Lay it Down music event at schools in Hackney and Stoke Newington, and Carry a Basketball; Not a Blade sports events in Newham.

16.16 The Commissioner stated that knife crime, in his opinion remained a long term battle for London and the shocking events over the past few weeks outlined examples of serious youth violence, which remains up by 5.5%. He added that gangs are not the whole issues but gangs were a significant problem in London. He stated that operations were targeting these areas with the MPS focusing attention from where have assets and Territorial Policing (TP) running operations and that the Serious Crime Directorate were also supporting in this area

16.17 Since the last Authority meeting two further young men have tragically lost their lives to violence and this had bought the total number to 14 so far this year. The Commissioner again stated his discomfort in talking about figures in the context of the deaths of these young people, however, he reported to members that for the calendar year, compared the last four years, 1 January up to 22 July, for 2007/08 the total was 17, 2008/09 the total was 22, in 2009/10 the total was 11 and in 2010/11 the total is 14. The Commissioner concluded by stating that the MPS would continue to do more and to work and support the community.

Issues raised by members

16.18 Members had submitted a number of questions in advance of the meeting.

 Diversity training

16.19 In response to Members, the Commissioner provided details of diversity training for MPS Management Board member over the past three years. This included participation in various leadership programmes run by the Leadership Academy and confirmed that individual members of the Board had diversity included in their PDR reviews. He also outlined details of the recently launched Diversity Strategy Action Plan and on-going work with the Black Police Association.

16.20 Members highlighted the positive impact that the 5 ‘Ps’ strategy was having in day to day policing and suggested consideration of a sixth element focused on diversity could be added. The Commissioner, stated that for him diversity was a key element of the 5 ‘Ps’ and this was also an important part of his central message when he meets with staff’, He added that diversity was particularly essential to professionalism, as he believed you could not be professional and not understand the issues of diversity, especially in policing.

Public Order Act 1986

16.21 Members raised concerns about a recently set up website by the Treasury that asks for ideas about how to save money. Members were particularly concerned that the site poses questions that could stir up racial hatred and drew attention to the Public Order Act 1986 which makes it an offence to publish material which is likely to stir up racial hatred. Members asked what action would the MPS take to deal with this matter

16.22 The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS were aware of the site and had noted that there were a small number of malicious posts on it. He confirmed that the Treasury had now suspended that part of the site. On a more general point, the Commissioner also informed members that police forces were concerned about websites and illegal postings, as evidenced following the recent operation in Northumbria, and how they were working to remove such posting.

MPS backing of children cycling on pavements

16.23 Following press reports that the police are to take a more relaxed approach to children cycling on pavements after the Mayor had secured support from the Commissioner, members asked if firstly, was it true that the Commissioner supported this and what might be the equality implications of this policy change Secondly, members asked if an equality impact assessment (EIA) been undertaken and if so could it be shared with members and if not would one be undertaken before the policy change comes into effect.

16.24 The Commissioner stated that there was no change in policy and confirmed that the policy stated that ‘when dealing with youths cycling on the footway, taking account of age and cycling behaviours, riders may be asked to dismount and push their cycle. In the interests of road safety, young people should not be told to ride in the road’. He confirmed that he had held discussions with the Mayor about young children riding bikes on pavements and had indicated that he did not want to see police officers pushing young children onto the road. He added that he did however, want police officers to use discretion if young people were cycling recklessly or endangering people.

16.25 Some members, whilst agreeing that it was important that young people on bikes remained safe, raised concerns that there could be a confusion by the public about the rules and regulations around cycling, for example what age is deemed a ‘young person’. The Commissioner stated that it would unrealistic to be specific about an age for young people to be allowed to ride on the pavement as some 13 or 14 years olds, for example, are more vulnerable than others and that is why officers were being asked to use their discretion. In doing so, the Commissioner added that it was important that officers were receiving the right principles and advice to use that discretion.

Safeguarding Adults at Risk

16.26 At the meeting of the Communities, Equalities and Peoples Committee on the 8 July, a discussion took place regarding safeguarding vulnerable adults. Members of that Committee were informed that for 2009-10 and for the whole of London there were 724 reported incidents of abuse of which 490 were recorded as crimes. Members felt that this indicated a considerable amount of under reporting. Members asked the Commissioner who within the MPS SMT was responsible for safeguarding vulnerable adults. Members also asked what governance arrangements and performance measures are in place for 2010-11 in order to look at vulnerable adults in the round and that ensures the Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy introduced last year is being delivered.

16.27 The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that following the tragedies of cases such as that in Pilkington in Leicestershire, the MPS and in particular Territorial Policing had reviewed systems and procedures to ensure that events such as that do not occur. He referred to the development of the Safeguarding Adults at Risk policy in 2009. In doing so, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the difficulty around safeguarding adults as there was no legislative base for information sharing. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that in Territorial Policing, Commander Steve Rodhouse was leading on safeguarding adults and he was working closely with the Department of Health on sharing information and co-coordinating policies. He added that the MPS did flag crimes and monitored, and they were also checked by service delivery desks in the boroughs. He did feel that there was under reporting. He confirmed that work was being undertaken with ACPO around one common crime: financial crime and fraud, with the aim of providing guidance. The Deputy Commissioner believed that greater awareness and avoiding tragedies would be good measures of success.

Photography in public places

16.28 Following a recent incident where a 16 year old boy was stopped from taking photographs in a public place, members asked the Commissioner if he was confident that officers are aware of the law when it comes to members of the public taking photographs in a public place.

16.29 The Commissioner, in noting that there had previously been a number of incidents were people had been stopped from taking photographs, confirmed that guidance had been issued, particularly as some of the stops had been undertaken through Section 44. He confirmed that a large amount of work had been undertaken to get the message out around photography, particularly as it was causing a degree of loss of reputation. He added that there was no restriction on people taking photographs in public places, other than in exceptional circumstances, but he could not guarantee that the guidelines would be interpreted in the way they should be.

16.30 The Commissioner confirmed that he was aware of the recent incident at the Armed Forces Day in Romford were two officers stopped a 16 year old boy from taking picture. He confirmed that the MPS did reiterate the guidelines and to try to get a level of discretion of their implementation. He confirmed that for that particular incident, although no formal complaint had been made, the officers concerned had received words of advice.

16.31 Some members, having reviewed recording of the incident, felt that the action of words of advice to the officers concerned was not strong enough. They also raised concerns that officers’ discretion in this matter was not appropriate and the guidelines needed to be specific and followed. An example was given of bulletin boards on photographic websites that outline numerous incidents of where the public have be stopped taking photographs. Concern was also expressed that the guidelines may not be being communicated to all officers and asked the Commissioner to review this and ensure that they were reaching all staff. The Commissioner agreed to look at how the guidelines were being disseminated.

Impact organised crime has on the economy

16.32 Following a recent speech made by the Commissioner to the Police Federation, which highlighted the effects of organised crime on the economy and the problems that the MPS had had in tackling this issue. In doing so, members expressed disappointment that this issue had not been brought to the attention of the Authority and asked if he felt that this important issue would have been appropriate to discuss with members of the MPA at the Full Authority in the first instance.

16.33 The Commissioner confirmed that he had given a speech at the 2010 John Harris Memorial Lecture and that that speech had afforded him the opportunity to make a contribution to the national debate around policing. He added that he felt that the Authority was engaged in debate on organised crime as part of its regular business.

Supporting a need for an inquest

16.34 Members asked the Commissioner what the MPS criteria was when deciding whether or not to support calls for an inquest. The Commissioner confirmed that the decision whether or not to open an inquest lay with the coroner. He added that the MPS took individual cases on merit and on an individual case basis. He also outlined the purpose of an inquest and this included the coroner’s discretion to hold an inquest if there was a view that there was a wider public interest perspective of how an individual came by their death. Relating to inquests Members also asked the Commissioner to comment on reports that the MPS are actively urging the Coroner not to hold an inquest into the death of Baby P. The Commissioner confirmed that on 25 April 2010 at a pre-inquest hearing at the North London Coroners’ Court, the coroner invited properly interested persons to give their views on a number of issues, including if there should be an inquest or not. The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS along with other agencies, made a submission questioning whether there was sufficient cause, given the extensive investigations and the extensive inquiries and public inquiries. Nonetheless, the decision to hold the inquest remained with the coroner.

16.35 Members stated that most of the inquires around the Baby P case had in fact been held in private and information provided at Authority meetings had been limited or restricted. They questioned if this matter had had a public examination and suggested that the MPS should have supported having a public inquest. Members asked if the decision not support a public inquest was made by the Commissioner himself and if so, would he be prepared to review that decision. The Commissioner reiterated that the decision not to hold a public inquest did not lay with the MPS and that the MPS were not attempting to avoid public scrutiny, but legitimately responding to an invite and make a balanced response. He confirmed that he did not make the decision, but did take responsibility for it and he suggested that if the Authority wished to submit a request to review the decision that it should made be to the coroner.

MPS Budget

16.36 Members asked the Commissioner for an update with regard to any discussions the MPS has had with the Government in respect of budget cuts; what would the scale of cuts look like; are there any specific grants likely to be cut and what representations is he making to Government.

16.37 The Commissioner, as mentioned previously, stated that he, along with others, were very concerned about the current financial climate and how that would impact on future MPS budgets. He had had a number of discussions with officials and ministers trying to seek clarity around what future budgets may look like and to be fully aware of the constraints that will be on the MPS and to press the case for London and its special requirements. As stated before the MPS were waiting for the comprehensive spending review, but were of course considering possible implications. He reiterated this would be done whilst attempting to maintain operational capability across policing services, such as safer neighbourhoods policing, people trafficking, child protection, murder and Trident, but the MPS would be facing a challenge. He confirmed that MPS where determined to deliver effective and efficient support services and were actively looking at existing systems, processes and procedures and to make better use of operational assets. In relation to specific grants, the Commissioner agreed that this added to the complexity of the situation and that the MPS would be discussing this with those organisations that buy MPS services such as TfL and local authorities.

16.38 Members returned to the recent report from HMIC and asked the Commissioner how he thought a 12% impact would have on services. The Commissioner could not commit at this stage to what a percentage cut would have on services, but did indicate that could make significant savings provided that regulations and processes were reviewed and this could lead to a degree of streamlining. The Commissioner also confirmed that there were very limited spare assets to cover for potential cuts, but the current financial situation did give an opportunity for the MPS to discuss with Government the opportunity to revisit and change for example such procedures as the way in which crime is recorded. This, he believed, would ensure that the MPS invested the maximum amount of its capability in investigating crime and reducing the amount of time administrating it.

16.39 Members asked the Commissioner to comment on possible losses of revenue from partnerships and specific local funding, particularly those that may affect challenging boroughs. The Commissioner confirmed that he was meeting with chief executives to discuss this point and had been concentrating on the general grant as that had been the only public pronouncement to date. He was sure that those discussions would be looking at the positions of other partners and how this may affect partnership funding. The Commissioner agreed with members that savings could be achieved through more end to end cross agency working as opposed to individual agencies. He suggested that various agencies working together within a system could be powerful, creative and provide real opportunity. Members also suggested that the MPS engage in discussions with non statutory partners, such as the Kickz programme.

Costs of policing protests

16.40 Some members were concerned that the MPS were forced to go over-budget last year largely due to the high cost of policing protests and a climate camp. Members noted that the MPS were looking into where improvements can be made to reduce the costs, but asked how effective would these new implementations be in reducing the unfair costs to the tax payer. They also asked if protesters and the public could be made more aware of how much protests cost the tax payer.

16.41 The Commissioner informed members that the MPS had on a rolling 12-month basis to May 2010 reduced officers providing central London aid by 34% compared with the preceding 4 years. The Commissioner added that this amount was considerable when considering the amount of demonstrations held in London and the MPS would be looking to seek further reductions of aid needed through training, use of special constabulary and asking event organisers to pay for their own stewards.

Overtime spending review

16.42 As part of the budget preparation process, the Commissioner was asked if he would support a thorough review of the use of overtime in every department to establish the level of saving that can be delivered by changing practices around the use of overtime. The Commissioner informed members that the average cost of overtime per eligible police officer had fallen by 19.2%, just short of 20% since 2005/06 and total costs had fallen by 13.6%. He added that clearly the MPS had to rely on overtime in operational policing and he did not accept that it could be completely stopped, however, the MPS would need to look at ways in which it can be reduced as much as possible.

Review of standard operating procedures

16.43 Members asked the Commissioner if he supported a review of standard operating procedures and reverting to giving officers power of discretion particularly when the guidelines contained advice such as, “missile throwing could certainly constitute threatening behaviour”,

16.44 The Commissioner informed members that a number of organisations were moving towards principles and allowing people discretion to act professionally and ensuring that they are trained around those principles and opposed to standard operational procedures. He supported this way forward as the current process was too excessive to be effective. The agreed that the MPS should look at how to take forward principles for the MPS and report back to the Authority in due course.

Raoul Moat

16.45 Members asked for details of the MPS contribution the Raoul Moat hunt in Northumbria. Members asked if he felt that it was necessary to provide the level of support and if the situation had left London under protected. Members also asked if Northumbria Police be reimbursing the MPS for its assistance.

16.46 The Commissioner confirmed the involvement of the MPS in this operation had come about via ACPO and the Police National Information Centre who in turn had looked for specific skills relative to the needs of the operation. He added that as the IPCC were investigating the operation it would inappropriate to make further comment.

Ian Tomlinson

16.47 Members were informed that the Crown Prosecution Service would not be taking further action against an MPS officer over the death of Ian Tomlinson and asked the Commissioner to comment.

16.48 The Commissioner made the following statement:

‘Ian Tomlinson's death was a very tragic event and of course we all regret it and our sympathies remain with the family. I said at the time and I'm happy to repeat now that I was concerned at some of the video footage, or however you want to describe it, and I believed then, and I continue to believe, that it was right that it was independently and robustly investigated and that we would co-operate fully with that investigation, and we have.

That was a matter for the IPCC. It is then right and proper that the IPCC refer the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions. They have done and it's a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions to make judgements on these matters, not for me. I think it would be entirely inappropriate for me to comment any further on that decision, particularly as there is now the issue of what the coroner decides to do, and the process of the coroner's inquest into this matter....I note the judgement, there's presumably a coroner's inquest to come...

If come on to the learning, Toby, as you'll recall I commissioned the chief of HMI's [Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary] report into these matters and I think that was heavily discussed around here and there's been very real learning. And it was not without real pain, as you'll recall, in this chamber. [There's been] a lot of learning about communication, about the whole issue about making sure we properly document the considerations around human rights and various things around peaceful protest and lawful protest, the stuff that Victoria (Borwick) has led on into civil liberties, so I think there's been a huge amount coming out of that. The vast majority of all those recommendations have been accepted and either implemented or we're getting on with. So there's been a great deal of learning coming out of that process. But I still go back and say it was a tragic event and we've all got to regret the loss of a life and my sympathies go to the family.

Resolved – That the report be received.

17. Race and Faith Inquiry

(Agenda item 6)

17.1 Following his appointment of Chair of the MPA in October 2008, Boris Johnson established an independent panel to identify practical positive measures to address concerns about the way in which the MPS dealt with race and faith issues. MPA member, Cindy Butts, was appointed as chair of the inquiry panel and was supported by Anthony Julius and Margaret Blankston and during the evidence gathering sessions, by Bob Purkiss.

17.2 Members now received a report that following the delivery of the final inquiry report to the Mayor on 7 July 2010, details of its findings and recommendations. The report included a number of recommendations that were for consideration by the MPA

17.3 The Chairman asked Cindy Butts to introduce the report to members.

17.4 In introducing the report the Cindy Butts stated that she did not intend to go through the recommendations of the report as they would need to be digested and considered in due course. She stated that since the inception of the Authority in 2000, in regards to race and faith issues she was sure that there was broad agreement on how far the MPS had come in ten years and the report paid testament to that. Additionally, she was aware that some people would be disappointed that the report was not more critical or recognising that racism continued to be a problem in the MPS. On this later point, she drew attention to the comments made in the emerging findings report which stated that the MPS had problems, including racism, however, what also sat within the organisation was innovation, good practice, creativity and commitment to tackle and deal with these issues. She added that many a public service would be quite envious of all that the MPS has and continued to do to tackle this issue.

17.5 Members were informed that the Panel, however, were clear that problems and difficulties still remained and it was those areas that the Panel sought to examine in greater detail, specifically around recruitment, retention and progression. From the outset that the Panel identified that progression was a key issue and both individuals from BME background and also white officers and staff felt that the promotion processes within the service was not fair, not transparent and needed improvement. The Panel had sought to deliver practical recommendations that it believed would address some of those concerns. It had been the Panel’s intention, that while focussing on race and faith issues, to challenge bad practices and policies. It was not and issue of making BME staff fare better within bad practices and policies as those bad policies and practices would remain, the Panel wanted to deliver positive changes to BME staff and officers as well as the entire organisation.

17.6. Cindy Butts then reminded members that the Panel’s emerging findings had recommended a number of changes and the MPS had, gone ahead with and accepted those recommendations. These included issues such as leadership, making sure that the Deputy Commissioner became the lead senior officer for equalities in diversity, as well as moving diversity and citizens focus away from being a TP resource and into the centre of the organisation. She stated that it was pleasing that the MPS had already actioned these recommendations, but added within the final report a number of new and fresh recommendations had been proposed and she highlight some of these. These included:

• Promotion: The issue of the way in which acting and temporary promotions are carried out within the organisation and the need for there to be a change in how these are carried out, including senior managers having the absolute right to veto whether or not a member of staff can apply for a promotion. There was no comparable system elsewhere and the Panel therefore, thought that this was divisive that it needed to change.
• Diversity and Citizens Focus Directorate: The Panel saw this as important and the guardian of equalities and diversity and that it should be strengthened by way of resources and expertise, but should be given additional powers and ability to influence the organisation. The Panel therefore, believe that it should become an internal inspectorate type model where it can dip into the organisation where concerns exist but, equally, where good practice exists.
• That the Panel firmly believe that the organisation should explore the issue of multi point entry

17.7 In conclusion, Cindy Butts informed members that she was disappointed that the Panel had not presented its final report sooner but hoped the Authority would welcome the report its recommendations.

17.8 The Chairman invited the Commissioner to respond. The Commissioner welcomed the report and confirmed that the MPS were actively implementing those recommendation presented as part of the emerging report from the Panel. He stated that the MPS would be now looking at those recommendations from the final report and reporting back on the progress on the implementing all recommendations.

17.9 Members welcomed the report and made a number of comments and questions which included:

• The Chair of the Inquiry Panel was asked if there was one key difference the MPS could do to deliver the vision of the report what would that be? Cindy Butts stated that there were a number of key areas, but did highlight the importance of leadership and who is leading on equalities and diversity.
• Members asked the Commissioner having received the final report what did he consider the most difficult issue for the MPS to take up? The Commissioner stated that he believed that the challenge would be related the financial pressure that the MPS would be coming under and the impact this they may have on staff.
• Some members suggested that success would be obtained when staff and faith associations feel reassured about experiences around discipline and promotion.
• Some members did not support the suggestion that the term that the organisation was no longer institutionally racist as evidence given to the Panel indicated otherwise.
• Members stated they would welcome details of the response to the report from the Mayor.
• Some members questioned the amount of resources used on diversity and if those resources had moved diversity on in relation to investment.
• The Chairman and a number of members welcomed the recommendation on building relationships between the MPS and the Metropolitan Black Police Association, but felt that this should equally apply to other staff and faith associations.

Resolved – That members

1. the Race and Faith Inquiry report be received and the recommendations of the Panel be endorsed; and
2. the plans for monitoring implementation of the report be endorsed.

18 MPA MPS Community Engagement Commitment 2010–13

(Agenda item 7)

18.1 Members received a report that presented the content and structure of the MPA and MPS Community Engagement Commitment 2010-2013.

18.2 It was noted that the community engagement commitment had been progressed through a MPA and MPS internal working group, which had in turn had been working to the MPA Communities, Equalities and People (CEP) Committee and the MPS Community Engagement Board.

18.3 In welcoming the community engagement commitment, members asked if the programme could be forwarded to all community police engagement groups (CPEG) for discussion, with feedback to the Authority. The Chair of the CEP Committee confirmed that as part of the launch of the programme, this point would be taken up. She also took the opportunity to thanks MPA staff for their work associated with the programme.

Resolved - That the MPA/MPS Community Engagement Commitment 2010-2013 be approved.

19. Reports from committees

(Agenda item 8)

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

19.2 The report contained a recommendation from the Communities, Equalities and People Committee (CEP) that sought approval to an amendment to that Committee and its sub-committees terms of reference and which asked the Authority to endorse those changes.

Resolved – That

1. the report be received; and
2. the amendments to the terms of reference for the CEP Committee and its Sub-Committees be endorsed.

20. Any other urgent business

(Agenda item 9)

20.1 There were no items of urgent business

The meeting closed at 12.40 pm

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