Minutes - draft

These minutes are draft and are to be agreed.

Minutes of the annual and ordinary meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 30 June 2011 at City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2AA.

Present

Members

• Kit Malthouse (Chairman)
• Reshard Auladin (Vice Chairman)
• Jennette Arnold
• John Biggs
• Christopher Boothman
• Victoria Borwick
• Valerie Brasse
• Cindy Butts
• James Cleverly
• Dee Doocey
• Toby Harris
• Kirsten Hearn
• Neil Johnson
• Jenny Jones
• Clive Lawton
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Amanda Sater
• Valerie Shawcross
• Graham Speed.

MPA officers

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

MPS officers

• Sir Paul Stephenson (Commissioner)
• AC Ian McPherson
• Anne McMeel

Part 1 (annual meeting)

1. Apologies for absence and announcements

(Agenda item 1)

1.1 Apologies for absence were received from Faith Boardman, Tony Arbour, Steve O’Connell and Tim Godwin (Deputy Commissioner).

2. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

2.1 No declarations of interest were made.

Resolved – That

1. the list of memberships of functional bodies and London Borough Councils, as set out in the table above, be noted;
2. the gifts and hospitality received by members, as set out on the Authority’s gifts and hospitality register, be noted; and
3. all members declare any other personal or personal prejudicial interests in specific items listed on the agenda over and above items listed in the table above and including any interest arising from gifts or hospitality received in the last 3 years or which are not at the time of this meeting reflected on the Authority’s register of gifts and hospitality.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 31 March 2011 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

3. Members attendance and committee appointments

(Agenda item 3a and 3b)

Agenda item 3a – Note of members attendance for 2010/11

3.1 In accordance with Standing Order 5.1.3 members received a report that provided a summary of members’ attendance during the preceding year at meetings of the Authority and those committees to which they had been appointed. It was noted that the record did not represent a full picture of members’ contributions to the work of the MPA as it did not include such activities such as borough link member activities or a number of other contributions that members had made to the Authority’s scrutiny investigations.

3.2 Clive Lawton requested that his non attendance at two of the five meeting of the Citizen Focus and Community Engagement Sub-Committee was affected due to his observance of religious festival and the late change of time of a meeting that he was not made aware of.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

Agenda item 3b – Appointments

3.2 At the May 2011 meeting of the Authority members had agreed that until the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill was enacted the current committee structure should remain unchanged.

3.3 Members now received a report that asked them to note the Mayoral appointments of Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Authority; appointments of chairmen/vice chairmen of committees; membership of committees and sub-committees; MPA representation on outside bodies and organisations and appointments of co-opted members.

3.4 It was noted that there had been one nomination (proposed and seconded) for position of chairman of the Finance and Resources Committee and members were asked to agree this nomination.

3.5 It was also noted that, as there had been no other nominations for the remaining positions of chairmen and vice-chairman of committee or and proposed changes to the membership of committees or sub-committee and MPA representation on outside bodies and organisations that these main unchanged.

3.6 It was noted that Amanda Sater and not Joanne McCartney was a member of the Equality and Diversity Sub-Committee.

3.7 Members also noted that these appointments would be up until the annual meeting of the Authority in June 2012 or until the Authority was abolished.

Resolved – That

1. members note that the Mayor has appointed Kit Malthouse as Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority and Reshard Auladin as Vice Chairman of the Authority
2. Dee Doocey be appointed as Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee and the appointments of other positions of the remaining chairmen and vice chairmen of committees as given at Appendix 1 be agreed.
3. the membership of the committees and sub-committees (Appendix 2), MPA representation on outside bodies including the appointment of Chair of the MPA Domestic and Sexual Violence Board (Appendix 3) be agreed;
4. the appointment of co-opted members to the Corporate Governance Committee (referred to at paras 12/13) until June 2012 (or until abolition of Authority): be approved and
5. all appointments be effective until the Authority is abolished or the next Annual Meeting in 2012 which ever is the sooner.

Part 1 (ordinary meeting)

4. Minutes: 26 May 2011

(Agenda item 1)

4.1 Members considered the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 26 May 2011.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 26 May 2011 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

5. Chairman’s update

(Agenda item 2)

5.1 The Chairman provided members with an update on key successes and meetings since the last meeting of the Authority.

5.2 The Chairman congratulated the six new commanders that recently passed the selection process, including two from within and four from outside the MPS.

5.3 He also congratulated the Commissioner and his team on another smooth policing operation for the Trooping of the Colour this month and the success so far of Operation Target. Since it was launched there have been around 2000 arrests resulting from targeted proactive investigations.

5.4 The Chairman then highlighted a couple of awards this month. He congratulated police officers in Islington and Camden who had been recognised at the Safer Neighbourhoods Annual Challenge Awards Ceremony for their work with young people to identify and address problems affecting their communities. Also, he congratulated a volunteer who helped cut serious crime by nearly two-thirds in known local trouble-spots in West London and was honoured at the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) Specials and Police Volunteers Award ceremony.

5.5 As Chairman of the Authority he informed members that he had continued to attend a number of meetings and that these were outlined at Appendix 1 to his report.

5.6 The House of Lords Committee stage for the Police Reform and Social Responsibility (PRSR) Bill ended on 16 June and report stage began yesterday, 29 June. The Chairman stated that the debates and amendments to the Bill continue to be monitored by MPA officers. He had attended a PCC transition sponsorship board at the beginning of the month and continued to meet with Ministers and officials to discuss issues. He informed members that work continued to ensure that we are in a position to enable a smooth and successful implementation of the new arrangements in London as soon after royal assent of the Bill as is feasible.

5.7 The Chairman informed members that he had also gave oral evidence to the Senior Salaries Review Board who are advising the Home Secretary on the appropriate level of pay for the Police and Crime Commissioners who will be created by the Bill.

5.8 This month the Chairman informed members that he had chaired a further three of the violent crime focused Joint Engagement meetings (JEMs), with Merton, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest boroughs. These meetings continue to be extremely useful for the MPA and all those involved in identifying actions for all partners to take as well as allow us to identify key crime issues across London that the Authority needs to be aware of.

5.9 Members were informed that the Chairman had had met with partners this month including British Telecom and Transport for London to discuss the increasing problem of cable and metal theft in the capital. This has been recognised as a national problem and proposals for changing legislation have been presented by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) lead to the Government. I plan to hold a summit in the autumn with stakeholders and partners to further discuss the issue.

5.10 The Chairman had also attended the London Assembly plenary question and answer session with the Deputy Commissioner earlier in the month on the policing budget and the implications of it on the police service.

5.11 He reported that the third round of joint MPA/GLA crime and community roadshows had began this month. Three of the five events have taken place and the final two will cover the North West on 6 July and North East on 11 July. The focus of this round has been ‘Moving Forward - Working with local communities to tackle violent crime,’ and the changes faced in the forthcoming months with the implementation of the MOPC. He had given a progress update on each of the Mayor’s key strategies, Met Forward 2, Time for Action, The Way Forward and The Right Direction. Emerging themes that have been consistent across all roadshows so far are concerns with regards to loss of resources to safer neighbourhood teams, single patrolling and reduced funding to Community Police Engagement Groups (CEPGs).

5.11 The Chairman informed members that the London Crime Reduction Board (LCRB) had met on 20 June. The Board had overcome some of the potential concerns around the Financial Incentives Model that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) plan to pilot in London. The scheme seeks to help the MoJ achieve savings by reducing offending. Five nominated boroughs had signed up to the pilot and these will put London in a good position in two years time to understand how to make a better impact upon offender management. Two other noteworthy pilots were endorsed by the LCRB, one dealing with new co-location arrangements that will give police a real time, 360 degree view of information held by different safeguarding agencies. He confirmed that a paper was due to come to the Authority on this shortly. The second is a proposal from the CPS to implement nominated prosecutors to support police work and bring serious violent gang leaders to justice.

Resolved – That the report be received.

6. Commissioner’s report

(Agenda item 3)

6.1 The Commissioner, before informing members on MPS performance, drew attention to two incidents that reflected the differing operational demands on the MPS and the differing activity the MPS undertakes during a typical day. The first was a domestic violence incident where officers where threatened with a firearm and at which shots were discharged. The officers concerned where not injured and an arrest was subsequently made. The second incident was that an MPS volunteer, a gentleman of 85 year of age, had been taken very ill whilst assisting the MPS.

6.2 Turning to performance, the Commissioner stated that overall the total number of offences where marginally down on the previous year.

6.3 He reported that in relation to violent crime there was a decrease of almost 2,000 offences, down by 7.5%. He added that there were almost 1,000 offences (7.4%) fewer ‘violence with injury’ offences. The number of homicides had fallen by 7% in the two month period of this financial year compared with the same period the previous year. Gun crime had decreased by 22.9%, with 126 fewer offences and there was also a reduction of gun discharges. Turning to knife crime the Commissioner informed members that this remained a challenge, with an additional 272 (11.9%) offences reported. As he had previously mentioned he felt that these were connected with street robbery. He also felt that the increase could be a result of increased police activity, around such operations as Blunt. Despite this increase he was pleased to informed members that knives used to injure, during the first two months of the financial performance year were down, but nevertheless this matter remained and area of some concern.

6.4 In noting the significant under reporting of hate crime, the Commissioner confirmed the continuing reductions in domestic violence, racist and religious orientated crime and homophobic offences, but reiterated that this only reflected reported crimes. He informed members of a recent successful coordinated day of action targeting all hate crime, but with a particular focus on forced marriages, so called honour based violence and disability hate crime. This had led to 162 individuals being arrested.

6.5 The Commissioner informed members that overall robbery had increased by 864 (13.8%) offences during the financial year to date and burglary offences had also increased by 1,55 offences (10.7%). In order to meet this challenge the Commissioner explained that Operation Target focuses on burglary as well as property crime.

6.6 A further challenge that the MPS faced was that of serious youth violence. The Commissioner reported that this had increased by 86 (6.6%) offences and since the last meeting there had been a further teenage homicide. The Commissioner stated that he remained cautious around reporting positive news around homicide numbers, particularly as any death was regrettable. Nevertheless, in the financial year to date there had been four less homicides than the same period last year and one less than the previous year which showed a reduction in youth homicides.

6.7 Turning to budget issues the Commissioner informed members that the MPS had focused on making savings for some time and in the three year period since 2007/08 to 2010/11 the MPS had made an accumulated saving of £581 million. He added that going forward the MPS faced significant financial challenges having to make a further £600 million savings by 2014/15. To date £323 million of this had been identified with the challenge being to turn these plans into delivery. To do this the MPS are focusing on reducing costs such as its asset base and delivering an effective business operating model. The Commissioner added that given the level of savings required and the significant cost of payroll, it was clear that there had to be some reductions in staff. He confirmed that the first phase of the police staff early departure scheme had been launched in November 2010. He also added that in April 2011 the new Civil Service Compensation Scheme had been introduced which included voluntary redundancy and compulsory redundancy. Throughout this process the MPS had worked closely with trade unions and where possible compulsory redundancies were avoided, but he added inevitable. The Commissioner added that there remained the option for him to invoke Regulation A19 for police officers, which he was very reluctant to do as he was keen to maintain operation policing numbers, particularly noting the need to deliver a ‘surge’ requirement to deal with incidents as public order events matters.

6.8 The Commissioner provided members with a live update on the policing of the public sector demonstration that was taking place that morning. He reported that Operation Moosehide had around 3,000 officers involved in this public order event. He reported that to date there had been a small number of arrests. As part of this discussion the Commissioner informed members that the industrial action being taken had also had an effect on the MPS. He highlighted that in Metcall up to 90% of police staff had taken industrial action. Contingency arrangements where in place and confirmed that police officers were covering this gap. In doing so, the Commissioner indicated that as well as the attrition issue, he was concerned that police officers were being asked to use reasonably complex equipment. He acknowledged people’s right to take such action but highlighted the dilemma the MPS faced when it occurred.

Issues raised by members

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

Emergency services sharing of information

6.10 Members asked the Commissioner if he could update them on the use of the ‘Cardiff model’ across London, whereby hospital accident and emergency departments share ammonised information about the time and location of violent incidents with the police.

6.11 The Commissioner informed members that the MPS had been working with the National Health Service (NHS) since 2008 to develop processes for routine sharing of non personal data and this process was still on-going. In relation to the Cardiff model, the Commissioner confirmed that this model was in place in 17 boroughs, with a further five who have impending agreements, one which is sharing a limited amount of information and nine that that do not have any agreement in place. In addition to this Commissioner confirmed that through the Territorial Policing change programme, the MPS where engaging in the ‘MASH’ Multi Agency Safeguarding Hubs) projects, led by the London Safeguarding Children’s Board and the Association of London’ Disorder of Children Services. This project was aiming to seek greater sharing of information between all partners, including health for safeguarding and problem solving. The Commissioner added that the aim was to be part of MASH hubs across London and he hoped bring those nine boroughs on board.

6.12 Members noted that since the Cardiff model of sharing information had been introduced in those areas there had been up to a 40% fall in violent assaults. They were concerned about those nine boroughs that were not part of any information sharing process and asked what focus was being put upon partners to engage in this matter. Members also asked if local community and police engagement groups (CEPGs) should know about this matter and if they could assist the MPS in negotiating to develop systems in their areas.

6.13 The Commissioner agreed to encourage those health authorities not part of a Cardiff model to adopt this and stressed that co-operation was the route to improving existing arrangements.

Expanding Operation Paladin

6.14 Members informed the Commissioner that at a recent Mayor’s Question Time, the Mayor had promised that he would talk to the Commissioner about expanding the Paladin child trafficking team, so that it has a permanent presence at St Pancras International. Members asked the Commissioner if he could update the Authority on the progress of this matter.

6.15 The Commissioner stated that in relation to the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras International, British Transport Police (BTP) have responsibility for passengers. He confirmed that the MPS had been developing close working relationships with BTP with regard to this matter. He added that BTP are planning to shadow MPS Paladin staff to enable them to learn and understand how this system operates at Heathrow in order to identify those who may be at risk. He also confirmed that the MPS Paladin team had been working with MPS ports officers who are also based at St Pancras. This had included training about rising awareness of trafficking and other issues that make children vulnerable.

6.16 Some members expressed disappointment that the MPS Paladin Team were not leading on trafficking issues at St Pancras. The Commissioner explained that this area fell under the jurisdiction of BTP. It was noted that some members supported the need for a dedicated child protection team for this area and the Chairman agreed to meet, with other members, BTP to assess current arrangements.

Death of two Dogs at Keston training centre

6.17 Following the tragic death of two police dogs left in a car during high temperatures at Keston training centre, members asked the Commissioner if he would commit to making sure that the recommendations following the investigation into this incident would be fully implemented. This included seeking from the Authority any financial requirements to ensure recommendations could be implemented.

6.18 The Commissioner stated that he was extremely saddened and concerned by this incident. He confirmed that the investigation was being undertaken by the RSPCA and if they provided any interim recommendations on how things might be done better in the future at Keston these would be looked at. He agreed with members that the officers/staff and facilities at Keston were of a high quality, but he would like to wait until the full recommendations had been released and not make any pre-judgements to the outcome of that investigation.

PCSOs

6.19 Members asked the Commissioner for details of how many PCSOs, attached to safer neighbourhood teams, had applied to become police officers since the freeze on recruitment had been lifted and how many have been successful to date.

6.20 The Commissioner informed members the freeze on police number recruitment had been lifted on 10 February 2011. At that time 190 PCSO applications to become police officers were on hold, 111 of these were attached to Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT). He confirmed that since the lift of the freeze on recruitment all 190 PCSOs formally joined as police officers on 14 March 2011. The recruitment campaign launched on 30 March 2011 saw 1,969 applications being received from serving PCSOs of which 1,139 were attached to SNT. It was estimated that 1,000 of current PCSOs would be joining as police officers of whom approximately 625 are currently in SNT posts. It was anticipated that those vacancies within SNT would be backed filled by redeployment of PCSOs and the Commissioner added that members would recall that there was a reduction of 814 PCSOs posts in 2011/12 budget with a further reduction of 100 post planned in the 2012/13 budget.

6.21 In response to members concerns about a difficulty in backfilling PCSOs into SNT, the Commissioner stated the MPS were saving more posts than PSCOs leaving and becoming police officers. The Assistant Commissioner (TP) added that it was an ambition and that the design was to ensure that all SNT PCSOs posts are filled. He added that natural churn was an issue but gave the example that of the 2,158 PCSOs in SNT there were currently 64 vacancies. Members asked if there would be a possibility that if there was a difficulty in the future would the MPS look to recruit to PCSOs vacancies. The Commissioner stated that the MPS would have to work within budget, but the intention was to continue to staff the police constables and PCSOs posts and those sergeant posts that are budgeted for.

6.22 Arising from the discussion members asked for confirmation as to where opportunity costs would occur in terms of PCSOs being taken from one area to another which areas would be affected. The Assistant Commissioner (TP) confirmed that these would be in areas such as the government security zone, youth courts and diamond districts. Members agreed that these areas performance would need to be monitored. Also arising from this discussion members informed the Commissioner that anecdotally they had heard that due to the current uncertainties around police pay and pensions a number of officers were considering early retirement which in turn would affect police numbers.

6.23 The Commissioner stated that he fully understood officers concerns and attrition was a concern, but from previous experience it was natural for individuals to enquire about their personal standing when pressures are being placed on terms and conditions.

PACE

6.24 The Commissioner was asked what were the consequences for the MPS of the recent High Court ruling on PACE and periods of bail.

6.25 The Commissioner confirmed that the ruling had overturned Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) interpretation. The ruling now meant that you need new evidence to arrest and you could not just arrest on bail. As a result of the ruling the MPS had briefed senior borough officers on the seriousness of the ruling. He added the MPS had put into place contingency plans, profiling those most serious offences where people are on bail, he had also raised his concerns with the Home Secretary and was somewhat reassured that the Government planned to address the issue through emergency legislation. The Commissioner in response to members agreed that there was a possibility that following this ruling individuals could claim that there bail, arrest and subsequent charging was illegal.

Other questions raised by members

Data Integrity

6.26 Members drew attention to an issue around the collection of stop and search data. Lambeth Police and Community Consultative Group’s Stop and Search Monitoring Group had identified incidents when there had been a substantial procedural mistake in the collection and entry of data. This had caused the data collected to be expressed significantly differently from the incident that had originally occurred. This, some members believed raised questions about the integrity of data.

6.27 The Commissioner agreed to look at this issue in more detail and provide members with details of what procedures are in place around data recording and collection.

Knife Crime

6.28 Members highlighted a recent teenage homicide in Islington and asked the Commissioner to encourage members of the public who may have witnessed this incident to contact ‘Crimestoppers’. Also, arising from the Commissioners performance report members sought clarify around knife crime (including used to injure) figures. Members asked the Commissioner if these figures could be supported by age profiling. Members also asked for any further comment on this increase and if this increase was due to investment reductions in engagement activities affecting young people.

6.29 The Commissioner supported members in appealing for any witnesses to the teenage homicide in Islington to contact ‘Crimestoppers’ with any information they may have about this incident. He reminded members that his report whilst showing an increase in this crime over a rolling three month period showed at the end of March there had been a reduction in knives used to injure. He agreed that it was right for members to be demanding that more be done to deal with this crime, but reminded them that the MPS were largely about suppression. In terms of seeing a trend of increasing young people making the wrong choice because of a reduction in youth engagement activities, the Commissioner stated he had not noticed any trend or link to an absence of diversion schemes and an increase in youth knife crime.

Industrial action

6.30 The Commissioner was asked if he felt that the 90% of staff in Metcall taking industrial action was a reflection of staffs general dissatisfaction over the way in which recent negotiations had been handled. The Commissioner did not agree that this was a reflection of the negotiations. He added that he understood that people were concerned about the proposals but felt that the negotiation process and level of information that was provided had been undertaken properly.

Madeline McCann

6.31 Members asked the Commissioner to provide details on the levels of resources currently committed to this review.

6.32 The Commissioner agreed to provide these details to members. He added that he could not confirm or commit to the length of the review and confirmed that he had not been given a time limit on investigation by the Home Office.

Phone hacking resources

6.33 At a recent meeting of a Home Affairs Select Committee, members stated that the Commissioner had stated that he would rather use the resource being used on the phone hacking review on investigating burglary. Members asked if this was the case and would he now divert some of the resources onto burglary.

6.34 The Commissioner stated that in terms of resourcing what he was trying to refer to was that the MPS have to manage with infinite resources but it was right and proper for the MPS to investigate phone hacking. He added that in relation to the current resourcing of the phone hacking investigation the MPS would be looking at current recourse levels.

Burglary

6.35 The Commissioner had earlier commented on the increase in burglary members asked if he would provide further details on how the MPS were dealing with the increase.

6.36 The Commissioner acknowledged that current figures had showed an increase in burglary and in robbery, however, he added that these figures were a vast improvement on historical figures. The Assistant Commissioner (TP) added, that as part of Operation Target focus was being placed on targeting high crime areas for burglary. In addition to this he reported that there was a concerted effort against offenders and that officers shift patterns were being changed to ensure resources were available at peak times.

6.37 Members asked the Commissioner if he felt that the current economic climate was a contribution to the increase in robbery. The Commissioner recognised that some criminological thinking supported the theory that that in times of economic boom personal crime increased whilst in a recession property crime tended to increase. The Commissioner said that he did not accept that this was inevitable. The Chairman added that there was also an issue relating to the cyclical judicial system where prolific burglars were released after relatively short sentences and they reoffending.

6.38 Connected to this matter members suggested that the current safer neighbourhood resource, particularly of a sergeant and the two police constables was a very good intelligence resource for matters such as burglary, including identifying prolific offenders and any reduction of this resource would have an impact on intelligence.

6.39 The Commissioner stated that any changes to SNT teams would not necessarily impact on the teams’ intelligence abilities. In terms of crime figures and burglary specifically, he added that it was important that the MPS were flexible and did not just follow how things had been done in past.

Hate Crime

6.40 The Commissioner was asked if he felt that in an economic downturn, and as with robbery, did he feel that there would be an increase in hate crimes. He stated that at present and as reported earlier figures showed a decrease in hate crime, but he had to take account of possible under reporting. He agreed that it was important to monitor and respond accordingly.

Police officers and abuse from the public

6.41 Members noted a recent press article which referred to internal MPS guidance and implied it suggested police officers ought to have a higher threshold of tolerance when dealing with the public. The Commissioner stated that he felt that the press reports had misinterpreted the purpose of the guidance. He informed members that the advice was not ‘political correctness and that officers were of course officers affected by adverse comments. The aim was a pragmatic approach to dealing with incidents and encourages officers to resist provocation so that when matters go to court the focus remains on the incident and not on the behaviour of the officer.

Road traffic collisions

6.42 Members asked the Commissioner to comment on the number of fatal traffic collisions and if the MPS could do more to prevent these. The Commissioner agreed with members any road fatality was regrettable but confirmed that last year there had been a significant reduction in fatalities. He outlined a number of ways in which the MPS strive to reduce road fatalities which included a dedicated traffic command. He agreed that this matter needed a report to the Authority and one that did not just focus on what road traffic police do, but looked at possible other experimental schemes internationally.

Performance figures in Commissioner’s report/knife crime

6.43 Members sought clarification regarding the figures for gun and knife crime in the Commissioner’s Report which were presented differently in report. The Commissioner agreed to clarify these figures and circulate them to members. Members also asked that in relation to knife crime, as the report indicated a reduction was there a need to refresh current policy or continue with the existing policies.

6.44 The Commissioner reiterated that knife crime had gone up and knives used to injure had gone down, although this area was turbulent. He also added that it was the responsibility of the MPS to be at the suppression end of the business. The Assistant Commissioner (TP) added that he felt that the MPS had refreshed this policy which focused on victims, offenders locations and times. A further area that has been looked at was that of repeat victimisation.

Serious youth violence

6.45 Members noted the increases in serious youth violence and confirmed that a number of parents had contacted them, particularly from the black community about concerns that their children are frightened to move around both London and boroughs for fear of being challenged.

6.46 The Commissioner acknowledged that parents and young people were concerned about this matter but he was not aware if this had increased. He added that a number of the policies and actions taken by the MPS were aimed at tackling this problem, but agreed that there was more to do. He also suggested that coordinated activities with other organisations such as the MASH initiative previously mentioned maybe a way forward on this matter. The Commissioner also agreed to provide members with a breakdown of an age profile for serious youth crime up to the age of 20 and also provide serious violence figures for those up to the age of 25.

6.47 Members also raised the issue of information/intelligence gaps in youth violence activity for example the issue of possible street grooming and the need for this to be looked at.

6.48 Those issues that the Commissioner undertook to report back on to members have been circulated in the form of an addendum report and are appended to these minutes at Appendix 1.

Resolved – That the report be received.

7. Report of the civil liberties panel

(Protecting the innocent: The London experience of DNA and the National DNA Database)

(Agenda item 4)

7.1 Members received a report that provided details of the MPA Civil Liberties Panel’s review into the national DNA database and the use of DNA in the Metropolitan Police Service.

7.2 The Chairman invited Victoria Borwick, who chaired the Panel to comment on the report and its recommendations.

7.3 In presenting the report, Victoria Borwick drew members’ attention to the current provisions of the Freedom Bill that is passing through the Houses of Parliament and in particular highlighted that the Bill proposed the destruction of DNA samples, but the retention of profiles. An important example of this was that if you were arrested for rape the profile would be retained. She added that there were strong arguments that as science developed the retention of samples would be useful, but the Panel’s view was that it was equally or more important to protect civil liberties and the retention of DNA samples of individuals not convicted of an offence was an important point. She added that the Panel welcomed the proposals in the Freedom Bill.

7.4 Members were informed that as part of the investigation into the DNA process the Panel had followed this process from collection and custody through the checking system, work in the laboratory and work around the DNA database. The Panel had also held a public meeting and sought views from the public, MPS and other partners. In doing so, the Panel were aware that taking DNA could be seen as an invasive process, but also acknowledged that this process, particularly for very serious crimes, was a vitally accurate tool in an investigation. Members were informed that the report on DNA had been entitled ‘Protecting the Innocent’, as the Panel had felt very strongly that the public needed to be reassured that DNA was an important tool to protect the innocent. One of the key aims of the Panel was to also consider some of the myths around the DNA process such as those about DNA being used commercially or their exploitation. On this issue members were informed that the Panel did feel that there was a role for greater transparency and information being made clearly available to those communities that are impacted.

7.5 Regarding the recommendation in the report, members were informed that it was hoped that these would facilitate the MPS to gain greater support from the public around DNA. Another of the aims of the Panel had been to increase confidence in policing and this is something that was highlighted in the report

7.6 In conclusion, Victoria Borwick wished to thank fellow Panel members Valerie Brasse, Dee Doocey, Kirsten Hearn, Jenny Jones, Clive Lawton and Joanne McCartney, as well as MPS colleagues lead by Gary Pugh, and MPA officers Shirani Gunawardena and Simon Efford for their work and support in the development of the report.

7.7 Members welcomed the report and its recommendations and made a number of points and these included:

• Some members felt that some of the recommendations could be implemented quickly, including those around development of a DNA chart that outlined the process and the cleaning/defrosting of fridges that retain DNA samples.
• Speeding up the removal process of DNA from the database.
• Working closely with organisations who support vulnerable people who may be seeking to remove DNA samples from the database, such as the Black Mental Health UK Trust.
• Ensuring that information is provided to people about the removal process.

7.8 The Commissioner confirmed that the MPS accepted the report and its recommendations and would be looking at any issues or recommendations that can implemented quickly.

Resolved– That

1. the Panel’s findings be endorsed;
2. the proposals that the MPS should respond to the recommendations within three months of the publication of the Panel’s report and produce a timetable for implementation.

8. Proposals arising from the review of safer neighbourhoods

(Agenda item 5)

8.1 A report was received that considered proposals arising from the review of safer neighbourhood policing and which had been considered by the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee on 16 June 2011 and referred by that Committee to the Authority.

8.2 In presenting the report and noting its synergy with the findings of the MPA Safer Neighbourhoods scrutiny, the Commissioner stated that both reviews followed the themes of increasing flexibility, the promotion of good practice in (Safer Neighbourhood Teams) SNTs, and the need to consider community priorities in policing. The review encompassed engagement with borough commanders, staff panels and an online survey which attracted over 12000 responses. 82% of respondents identified that SNTs should operate during evenings, 73% suggested that priorities should be set in consultation with local communities, and 85% and 81% stated that SNTs should tackle crime and anti-social behaviour respectively.

8.3 The Chairman invited members to comment and a number of points where raised. These included:

• A number of members were concerned that the proposals would see a reduction of 150 sergeants, which could rise to 300 over two years.
• The proposals where superseding current pilots in place in boroughs such as Lambeth and the outcomes of those pilots where yet to be fully considered.
• Members were concerned about the ‘temporary flexing of resources’ and the length of time those officers could be removed from a SNT.
• There were concerns about the possible reductions in numbers within Safer School Teams.
• Giving sergeants more wards to supervise would stretch them and not allow them to do important issues such as patrolling, street briefings, attending community forums or community groups.
• There had been a lack of consultation of the possible loss of sergeants from SNT teams.
• Some members were concerned that the proposals were a move away from the principle of dedicated resources to each ward.
• Members wanted further clarity on where the sergeants from SNT were going and there was concerned that they were being removed from high crime areas.
• Some members felt that the proposals could lead to some SNT becoming a response team to particular incidents.
• A number of members expressed support for the proposals pointing out that when the scheme was first introduced it was on the basis that there would be a number of risks and challenges.

8.4 The Commissioner reassured members that the MPS is committed to safer neighbourhoods and that it was also proper to review it. He added that it would also be misleading to say that any review was not subject to the difficult budgetary situation the MPS were currently in. He felt that proposals did provide a same size team albeit with some teams having a sergeant covering more than one ward and that the changes being proposed to what they do in a ward were a minimal changes. He confirmed that the changes in the number of sergeants in SNT was 150, as agreed as part of the budget process and that in his opinion this was workable and that sergeants were capable of undertaking a supervisory role across wards.

8.5 The Assistant Commissioner (TP) informed members that the results of the survey undertaken about SNT had indicated that most people sought the teams to be more flexible, working later shifts and at weekends. Regarding the pilot in Lambeth (Operation Hannah), he stated that this was about moving officers from response and into to SNT and it was borough commanders to say where sergeants actually come from within the neighbourhoods. He did not feel that this operation had an adverse effect on the proposal in the report. In response to members he confirmed that if SNT officers were moved for a particular reason this would be reported to the Safer Neighbourhood Panel.

8.6 Members in noting the issue of abstractions (flexing of resources) from SNT felt that this issue need to be properly and regularly monitored and agreed that this should be added to the recommendations.

8.7 The Chairman called for a vote and members voted 10 in favour 7 against the recommendations. The following members asked for their names to be recorded as voting against the recommendation: Jennette Arnold, John Biggs, Kirsten Hearn, Jenny Jones, Joanne McCartney Caroline Pidgeon and Valerie Shawcross.

Resolved – That

1. the developing SN Operating Model (Para 56-58 of the report), in particular the following elements be endorsed:
   1. SNTs should maintain their existing structure, with ability to temporarily flex resources across ward boundaries in response to specific local problem solving demand. Flexibility will operate within the revised SN Abstraction policy.
   2. 2 PCs and 3 PCSOs (6 PCSOs on enhanced wards) will remain unchanged.
   3. The default geographic area covered by every Safer Neighbourhoods team will continue to be the Ward unless there are exceptional reasons to amend these boundaries so that they meet local need.
   4. All SN resources will work to a shift pattern that meets local needs but which, in particular, will reflect SN demand and the desire of Londoners to have an appropriate number of officers on duty during the evenings and at weekends.
   5. Front line leadership of teams will be provided by SN Sergeants, who will cover either a team or teams depending on the need, demand and complexity of the policing environment.
   6. Crime reduction and tackling ASB are objectives of SNT activity.
2. The developing supervision model will lead to a reduction of approximately 150 SN Sergeants in 2011/2 on a pro-rata basis. The implementation of the SN sergeant selection processes to commence at the earliest opportunity.
3. The reduction represents the first step towards meeting 300 Sergeants as outlined within the Policing Plan 2011-14. Work to realise the full reduction continues within the TP Development change programme which is reviewing the overall number and function of Sergeants and Inspectors posts within TP.
4. That arrangements are made for the monitoring of SNT abstractions and a summary of these are reported to the Authority on a monthly basis.

9. Reports from committees

(Agenda item 6)

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

• Strategic Operational Policing Committee – 12 May 2011

Resolved – That the report be received.

10. Any other urgent business

(Agenda item 12)

10.1 There were no items of urgent business.

The meeting closed at 1.10 p.m.

Addendum to the Commissioner’s report

• Report by the Commissioner

This report follows up on the actions and commitments made verbally by the Commissioner at the Full Authority meeting on 30 June 2011.

The Commissioner committed to provide an update to Members on the following issues:

• Data Integrity
• Madeline McCann Investigation Review
• Transcript of Home Affairs Select Committee
• Traffic Accident Prevention Advice
• Performance Figures in the Commissioner’s Report
• Serious Youth Violence Data

Data Integrity

1. Members asked for a briefing note on MPS arrangements to ensure data integrity. Information will be provided to the MPA by 26 July 2011.

Madeline McCann Investigation Review

2. Members asked for information on the current levels of resource committed to this review. Information provided to the MPA.

Transcript of Home Affairs Select Committee

3. Members asked for a transcript of the Home Affairs Select Committee on 29 June 2011. Information provided to the MPA.

Traffic Accident Prevention Advice

4. The Commissioner agreed to provide a future report on traffic accident prevention advice, based on the analysis and interpretation of road traffic accidents within London.

Performance figures in the Commissioner’s Report

5. The Commissioner agreed to clarify the gun crime figures in the June Report. Information provided to the MPA.

Serious Youth Violence Data

6. Members asked for age profile details (up to 25) in relation to the latest knife crime and serious youth violence figures. Information provided to the MPA.

Report author: Zara Ryder, Strategic Relationships, MPS

Background papers: None

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