Reports from Committees

Report: 11
Date: 27 January 2011
By: Chief Executive

Summary

At each meeting of the Authority members will receive a report from committees that have meet in recent weeks.

This report from the authority’s committees provides members with details of the key items considered at each of the committees and their sub-committees.

This report covers the following meetings:

• Joint Strategic and Operational Policing/Finance and Resources Committees – 11 November 2010
• Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 11 November 2010
• Finance and Resources Committee – 18 November 2010
• Corporate Governance Committee – 2 December 2010
• Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 9 December 2010
• Finance and Resources Committee – 16 December 2010
• Communities, Equalities and People Committee – 6 January 2011

Joint Strategic and Operational Policing/Finance and Resources Committees – 11 November 2010

Members present: Reshard Auladin (Chairman), John Biggs, Faith Boardman, Chris Boothman, Cindy Butts, Dee Doocey, Toby Harris, Caroline Pidgeon, Jennette Arnold, Joanne McCartney, Jenny Jones, Steve O’Connell, Graham Speed, Valerie Shawcross, Valerie Brasse and Amanda Sater.

Policing London Business Plan

The Chair advised that, given the late date at which agendas had been received, Members were not in a position to approve the submission at this time. It was agreed that MPA officers would contact the Mayor in order to defer the date of submission to him. The plan would be reconsidered at a meeting of the MPA Full Authority on 25 November, and for Mayoral approval thereafter. Members agreed this course of action.

Members asked whether the corporate objectives of the MPS, including targeting dangerous dogs and weapons, were in line with most dangerous offending, and whether the MPS was prepared, in open session, to confirm its commitment to the current Safer Neighbourhoods model. The MPS responded that the position of the Commissioner was outlined at a plenary of the London Assembly – they are committed to the model but recognise the necessity of looking at how it works across the capital and the required levels of supervision. A full discussion will be had with the Authority prior to any decisions being made.

Members discussed the challenges around assisting in a budgetary process centred upon staffing levels (and levels of supervision) without a full understanding of how the MPS is currently staffed. They requested a breakdown of staff numbers – both warranted and unwarranted - at different levels of seniority within each business group. They also noted that they had yet to see the draft performance indicators for the coming period. The MPS responded that the indicators were for the next three years and should be considered after a financial settlement is agreed. This will be possible by December.

Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 11 November 2010

Members present: Reshard Auladin (Chairman), Toby Harris (Vice Chair), Chris Boothman, Jennette Arnold, Tony Arbour, Jenny Jones, Joanne McCartney, Caroline Pidgeon, Cindy Butts, Graham Speed, Amanda Sater and Valerie Brasse.

Urgent actions and urgent operational issues

Members received an update from Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison regarding the student protests at Millbank on 10 November 2010. He noted that the MPS had launched an internal review into the policing of these demonstrations and that they were expecting to publish the results within a week. Members asked that the findings be shared to and discussed with the Chair of the MPA as soon as they become available.

The MPS had been working closely with the NUS since July 2010 – when they anticipated that 5000 students would attend. On the Friday preceding the demonstration the NUS informed police that they expected 10000 to attend; by the day before the march this projection had been raised to 15000. This number was measured against open source intelligence and police sought to match resources to this intelligence.

Members expressed surprise that the police had been so caught out in terms of their intelligence - and asked whether social networking sites had been monitored in the run-up to the event. They noted that Westminster Palace had been effectively policed during the march and asked whether Millbank was not because risk assessments had been based upon previous events and was therefore considered low risk. It was suggested that the political climate had changed, and the broader political context should be considered in risk assessments as a matter of routine – political parties are now more likely to be targeted.

Thematic Performance report

The MPS introduced a report that detailed performance within Central Operations (CO) and provided additional narrative regarding the Territorial Support Group (TSG). The central function of CO is to provide a pan-London uniformed response to incidents across other business groups. CO accounts for 7.1% of total MPS staff.

Since December 2007 Taser has been deployed in 530 incidents, and fired in 110. As such, it has proved to have particular value as a deterrent - its use has prevented both suspects and officers being injured. TSG arrests are up year by year. They have a stop and search arrest or seizure rate of 25%. They have also seen a 43% reduction in complaints against the unit. Members asked whether any suspects had required hospital treatment after being subject to Taser. They heard that a protocol exists around medical checks administered following Taser discharge, and that no cases had required further medical attention.

In relation to paragraph 28, Members asked why well over half of the TSG had served for more than three and a half years – as rotation is a step toward changing the composition and culture of a unit. They suggested that there has been no change in the ethnic or gender profile in TSG over the years. Given that TSG requires highly skilled officers, Members suggested that more work be done in relation to training and human resources. The MPS confirmed that the unit see a high turnover in terms of senior staff, however. Cultural symmetry with the rest of the Service is also achieved by TSG officers working with Safer Neighbourhoods Teams for three days a month.

Members suggested that TSG may be the subject of a future MPA scrutiny. This had been raised with Deputy Commissioner Tim Godwin, who had responded that an internal review was on-going. Members are yet to receive any further information regarding this review. They stressed that they want to see the full findings of the review ‘warts and all’ in order that the MPA can be fully satisfied that no scrutiny project would be necessary.

Professional Standards indicators

The MPS introduced a report that set out complaints data for April 1 – June 30 2010. An increase of 7.2% over the same period during 2009/10 was recorded. However, this is best explained by a broadening of the definitions used. The rate of increase in failure of duty complaints has slowed. The decreases in oppressive behaviour and reductions in the rate of increase for incivility are in part due to vastly reduced numbers of complaints regarding TSG.

Members expressed concern that performance in Enfield remained below par, particularly as this had been the case for a number of years. They asked what level of intrusive supervision was offered to under-performing boroughs. The DPS responded that supervision is broken down to team or even officer level if necessary. They are reviewing the programme currently offered. They also noted that boroughs have historically recorded complaints differently and this corrupts the data to some degree (e.g. recording the complaint as relating to a number of officers as opposed to just one).

The DPS concluded by assuring members that they had recently set up a system of ‘quality call-backs’, whereby a customer service team will call complainants to gather an assessment of their satisfaction with the way their complaint had been handled. The next report will incorporate this data.

Amendment to the Terms of Reference for the Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee

The report asked Members to recommend to the Full Authority that it agrees the following change to the terms of reference of the PSCSC:

To add a new paragraph 7 “Equality and diversity” and insert “to have due regard in exercising the Sub-Committee’s responsibilities to equal opportunities generally, and the general duty of the Equality Act 2010.”

Recommendation – That The full Authority be asked to approve the amendment to the terms of reference of the Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee.

Finance and Resources Committee – 18 November 2010

Members Present: Steve O’Connell, , Faith Boardman, John Biggs, Chris Boothman, Dee Doocey, Neil Johnson,, Valerie Shawcross and Graham Speed.

Allocation of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) funds to the Safer London Foundation

Details of the grants made by the Safer London Foundation through funds provided by the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) in 2009/10 were submitted. Approval was given to the allocation of £500,000 of POCA funds to the Safer London Foundation (SLF) for 2010/11 for use to fund community projects for crime reduction. Dinah Cox the interim Chief Executive of the Safer London Foundation attended for consideration of this item. She provided a brief outline of the work of the Foundation, explained how the annual POCA allocation was spent and answered questions from members.

Safer Neighbourhood Property Programme

The Committee received its six monthly update on the progress made on the programme. Members were advised that the TP Development programme is reviewing how policing services including Safer Neighbourhoods are delivered across London. The report detailed changes which had been made in the SN Property Programme including the suspension of the existing programme This results in a total reduction in capital expenditure of £27.78m. The SN Teams associated with 33 locations will remain in their current locations. Territorial Policing and Property Services are reviewing those SN bases that currently have lease renewals due or potential lease breaks to support the Corporate Real Estate principles to maximise the usage of buildings without affecting operational capability. In order that there could be MPA involvement in the outcome of the review it was that agreed that the Estate Panel would consider the individual proposals.

Disposals

The Committee approved the disposal of Leytonstone former police station and land at Hainault Triangle, Leyton.

Voluntary early departure of police staff from the MPS

Approval was given for access to the MPA reserves in order for the MPS to cover the costs of a voluntary early departure scheme for specified groups of staff. This will facilitate the delivery of the savings forecast under the MPS Service Improvement Programme (SIP) within the required timescales.

Corporate Governance Committee – 2 December 2010

Members present: Toby Harris (Chair), John Biggs and Valerie Brasse.

Directorate of Audit, Risk and Assurance Strategy for 2011-14

The Committee approved the strategy for DARA for the period 2011 to 2014. The new strategy reflects the emphasis on moving towards a risked based approach and reviewing and advising on areas of high risk/cost to the MPA and MPS. The approach also recognises the significant levels of change which is taking place within the MPS and the increased demand for greater efficiency and value for money.

MPA and MPS anti-fraud strategy

Members were advised of the anti- fraud activity taking place within the MPA and MPS. A jointly developed anti-fraud strategy for 2011-2014 was approved. This will provide a strategic framework to manage the risk of internal fraud. The supporting implementation plan sets out future and planned activity The Committee will receive an update on progress on the implementation plan at each meeting.

MPA risk management update

For the first time this regular report included a more detailed assessment of the financial risks. This information was also reported to the December meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee.

Outstanding high risk Directorate of Audit, Risk and Assurance recommendations

The regular update report showed that there are 13 high risk recommendations outstanding to the MPS, an increase of 1 since the last meeting. The report contained a detailed note of progress in implementing each one.

External Independent Audit of Health and Safety

The MPA in consultation with the MPS commissioned Turner & Townsend to undertake an overview evaluation of safety management across the MPA and MPS. The study commenced in April 2009 and took the form of a top-tier audit of the implementation, by the MPS and MPA, of the joint health and safety policy and its associated processes. The report was published in 2010 and made 39 recommendations relating to structure and control ;co-operation and collaboration; training and competence; planning and prioritising; culture and communication; and monitoring, auditing and benchmarking.

A working group of the MPS Strategic Health and Safety Committee has prioritised the recommendations and formulated a strategy for their implementation. This was submitted to the Corporate Governance Committee and members will be advised of progress.

Updates

The committee received updates in respect of a number of issues including implementing International Financial Reporting Standards, the MPS corporate governance framework and business charge cards.

MPS Risk Management Update (exempt)

The Committee reviewed the current MPS risk register and a summary of the ongoing work to improve the quality of the risk analysis and information contained in the register.

Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 9 December 2010

Members present: Reshard Auladin (Chairman), Toby Harris (Vice Chair), Chris Boothman, Jennette Arnold, Tony Arbour, Jenny Jones, Joanne McCartney, Caroline Pidgeon, Graham Speed and Valerie Brasse.

Update report from SCD2

The MPS introduced a report into the first 12 months of SCD2 (Sapphire). A comprehensive review of practice within SCD led to the creation of this unit and the Service feels that real improvement has been seen. The presenting officer invited questions from Members.

Members asked that the SOPC receive an overview of findings from the forthcoming rape research upon their release. They noted the achievement of the MPS, citing that victim satisfaction had risen to 70%. Members asked what risk assessment was conducted around older cases recorded as ‘no crime’ given potential confidence issues that could emerge if/when such cases go to trial, how variation in sanction-detection rates across boroughs was managed, and whether SCD2 underwent a bimonthly assessment similar to SCD5.

The MPS responded that they were largely on top of past cases recorded as ‘no crime’, although these do remain a concern. SCD2 have been reviewing the closure reports of previous investigations to see that all was done correctly. With regard sanction detection rates, the MPS noted that they had strived to broaden measurement to include attrition and victim satisfaction. Often sanction-detection is a result of victim choice, and can therefore be a distorting figure. They informed Members that the CPS had been working to increase specialisation in courts – as the way of thinking around obtaining and securing evidence in sexual crime cases is different. Each quadrant of London now has dedicated rape crisis centres, which are joint funded by local authorities and businesses, and have received Mayoral support.

SCD9 performance report

The MPS noted that SCD9 was considered a unit of excellence in many areas e.g. human trafficking, organised crime and obscene images. They work with 42 NGOs. Members commended SCD9 for its work, particularly around human trafficking and forced labour, noting that any staff reductions within these small units would disproportionately effect the capabilities of the Service.

The MPS informed Members that officers in the Abusive Images Unit are assessed regularly and are closely managed. Given the diversity of material to which they are exposed, the different sensitivities of officers can often be taken into consideration. The unit has one of the lowest rates of sickness within the Service. With regard the EU directive on human trafficking, it was noted that the UK is yet to sign up to it although the MPS are already compliant as far as they can tell (e.g. assisting victims back to their country of origin if requested). They informed Members that the command is make up of approximately 220 officers – 39 in forced prostitution, 20 in clubs, 6 in Operation Caiman, 12 in Abusive Images, 3 in casinos, 24 in Operation Maxim and 63 in Operation Swale (after UKBA cuts).

The MPS confirmed to Members that the reduction from 84 to 63 officers in Operation Swale is due to UKBA funding reductions. MPS operations (Maxim) will continue as before. They informed Members that Specials were being used in the Abusive Images Unit – after screening and vetting – and the Clubs Unit. SCD9 have found that they bring valuable skills and creativity to the job.

Operational Policing Measure

The MPS introduced this report, noting a concerted effort to assign an OPM code for every MPS worker and to ensure accurate collection of this data – which has previously fallen out of use. This is an important tool in looking at the variety of work undertaken in different areas across the organisation and therefore in determining organisational resilience and strengths in anticipation of forthcoming cuts.

Members raised concerns that there is still no definition of operational policing. The MPS replied that the functions are defined in the report and that as this data is used it will become more affective (and refined). It is important to measure what staff are doing in order to achieve a ‘balanced policing model’ as outlined by the Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson.

A Member suggested that given these figures the discussion around frontline policing looks to be something of a nonsense. The MPS agreed that the correct measure should be balanced policing as visibility is not the whole story – units working on abusive images as mentioned earlier during this meeting, for instance. The goal is to use resources to optimize operational capability and this measure will ensure that the MPS can make powerful representations to HMIC and the Home Office is this respect.

In relation to the HMIC figures – 11% of asset being front-line operational, cited at paragraphs 34-37 – the MPS noted that as each day is split into 4 shifts, even if every officer was available for front-line duty a maximum of 25% could be operational. They noted that they had been talking to the Home Office and were seeking to modify the debate.

Finance and Resources Committee – 16 December 2010

Members present: Steve O’Connell, Reshard Auladin, John Biggs, Faith Boardman, Chris Boothman, Dee Doocey, Neil Johnson, Amanda Sater, Valerie Shawcross and Graham Speed.

Revenue and capital budget monitoring

As at period 7 (to the end of October) the revenue budget is forecast to overspend by £1.7m (0.1% of budget). The capital programme as at period 7 shows year to date total expenditure of £88.8m. This total represents 32.1% of the revised annual budget of £276.3m. The forecast for the year of £250.8m represents an underspend of £25.5m (9.2% of the revised annual budget).

Efficiency plan monitoring 2010/11

The Committee received an update on the monitoring of the Metropolitan Police Authority)/Metropolitan Police Service 2008/09 – 2010/11 Efficiency Plan. Overall, the forecast indicates an over achievement against the 2010/11 HM Treasury cumulative efficiency target of 10.3% (year 3 of the 3 year plan) by £63.5m.

Disposal of properties 2011/12

It is anticipated that a number of properties will become surplus to operational requirements in the next financial year. A schedule of the properties was approved. The Committee will receive a separate report for approval in respect of individual property disposals which exceed £1m or are of particular interest.

Provision of mobile telephony services (exempt)

The MPS had led a national procurement exercised for mobile voice, BlackBerry and broadband services with support from the National Policing Improvement Agency. Approval was given to the award of a framework agreement

Hendon real estate asset plan (exempt)

Details of the proposals for the future use of the Hendon estate were considered. Previously, there had been a site visit by members of the Estate Panel and a briefing was offered to all members. Approval was given to the strategy and the implementation plan. The Committee asked to be kept advised on progress in implementation.

Peopleservice (formerly the transforming HR programme) (exempt)

PeopleServices was launched on 8 November, firstly with all the HR community moving into their new roles and then with access being offered to the remainder of the MPS on 9 November. The Committee has received monthly reports in the lead up to the introduction of Peopleservice and will continue to be kept informed of progress.

Olympic Games business cases (exempt)

A process is in place for managing the flow of Olympics related business cases from the Olympic Sub Committee to the Finance and Resources Committee under which the Olympics Sub Committee presents a written report to the Finance and Resources Committee supplemented by an oral update by the Chair of the Sub Committee . In November the business case relating to the Torch relay was agreed and at the December meeting the business case relating to Automatic Number Plate Recognition.

Communities, Equalities and People Committee – 6 January 2011

The following Members were in attendance: Victoria Borwick, Reshard Auladin, Faith Boardman, Valerie Brasse and Clive Lawton

Oral Update from Head of Equalities and Engagement

Members were informed that on 12 January 2011, a Race and Faith Inquiry symposium on Multi-Point Entry into the police service shall be held at City Hall; which shall examine the themes of barriers to multi-point entry in the MPS, and how this can be further developed. Nick Herbert, Policing Minister, and Tim Godwin, MPS Acting Commissioner shall be presenting keynote speeches, and Mayor Boris Johnson shall be delivering the closing speech.

MPS Partnership update

The Committee received a report which considered the MPS current partnership commitments and explored the risks to delivery should any of those fail in the current economic climate

Borough Partnerships Funds 2010/11

The Committee received a report which detailed the end of year position on partnership funds; analysing the areas of spend and identifying good practice

Retention of Police Officers and Special Constables

The Committee received a report which updated the members on MPS recruitment and retention activity, particularly with regard to the move to the single point of entry through Metropolitan Special Constabulary.

Metropolitan Police Service Staff Survey

The Committee received a report which detailed background and analysis of the Your Views Count staff survey.

Restructure of Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate - update report

The Committee received a report which updated the committee on the implementation of the new structure; including details of the performance management framework.

Safeguarding Adults and Anti-Social Behaviour

The Committee received a report which addressed concerns about the Pilkington case; which explored the MPS’ response to Anti-Social Behaviour and Safeguarding Adults.

Reports from Sub-committees

Reports from the Sub-committees were received.

Contact details

Report author: Nick Baker, MPA

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback