Minutes

Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 2 April 2009 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (Chair)
• Jennette Arnold (item 5 to 20)
• Chris Boothman (item 1 – 12 (except 7&8)
• Cindy Butts (item 5, 10&11)
• Toby Harris (Vice Chair)
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney

Also in attendance: Valerie Brasse

MPA officers

• Siobhan Coldwell (Head of Oversight and Review)
• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Jane Harwood (Assistant Chief Executive)
• Ruth Hastings Iqball (Committee Officer)

MPS officers

• Chris Allison (T/AC Central Operations)
• Rose Fitzpatrick (T/AC Territorial Policing)
• David George (Ch Supt, Specialist Crime Directorate)
• Nick Jupp (Supt, Safer Neighbourhoods Delivery)
• Anne McMeel (MPS, Director of Resources)
• Paul Minton (Cdr, Organisational Capability and Criminal Justice Reform)
• Ed Solomons (MPS, Director of Legal Services)
• John Yates (AC, Specialist Crime Directorate)

91. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from, James Cleverly, Neil Johnson, Kit Malthouse, Steve O’Connell and Caroline Pidgeon (members).

92. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

No declarations of interest were made

93. Minutes: Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 5 March 2009

(Agenda item 3)

Members considered the minutes of the above meetings.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee (Part 1 and 2) held on 5 March 2009 be agreed and be signed as a correct record.

94. Minutes: Joint meeting of the Finance and Resources and Strategic and Operational Policing Committees - 5 March 2009

(Agenda item 4)

Members considered the minutes of the above meeting.

Resolved – That the minutes of the Joint Finance and Resources and Strategic and Operational Policing Committee (Part 1 and 2) held on 5 March 2009 be agreed and be signed as a correct record.

95. Urgent actions (if any) and urgent operational issues - oral report (if any)

(Agenda item 5)

G20 conference

The T/AC, Central Operations (CO), gave a verbal update on the policing surrounding the G20 conference. He stated that 5000 demonstrators had attended the ‘four horseman of the apocalypse’ event near the Bank of England. Officers had been attacked at cordons and put on riot gear to protect themselves. There had been disorder and criminal damage at the a Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) premises and arrests had been made for burglary. However, apart from graffiti, there had been no damage to any other major buildings. The T/AC, CO, noted that the death in the vicinity of the Bank of England was being investigated by the City of London Police. He also explained how the Public Order Act had been used to clear the climate camp in Bishopsgate. Heads of State had arrived that morning and would depart in the evening, the police maintaining security throughout the day. He felt the MPS, British Transport Police and the City of London, Essex and London police were working well together and praised Cdr Bob Broadhurst and Ch Supt Ian Thomas for their work.

Members asked for more details about the death, and were told that police were notified by a member of the public that a man had collapsed. Two police medics were sent to attend to him but whilst they were doing so a number of missiles, believed to be bottles, were thrown at them. The man was subsequently evacuated behind police lines and given cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He was then passed to the London Ambulance Service, which transported him to hospital. The man had been identified and his next of kin informed.

Members asked

• when cordons were put in place and whether toilets and water were provided to demonstrators who were detained behind them?
• if lessons had been learnt from using these tactic on previous occasions?
• whether demonstrators behind cordons had been informed of what was happening?
• had Tasers been used?
• were the police aware that children had been reported present at the climate camp?
• why the RBS building had not been boarded up?
• the part played by reporters/TV crews?
• were the 11 arrests for the possession of uniforms linked to a theft of uniforms outside London?
• demonstrators had tried to knock off beat officers’ hats, why were officers not wearing hard hats?
• had lessons been learnt from the policing of this event in relation to policing of the Olympics (feedback was requested to the Olympic / Paralympic Sub Committee as soon as possible).

The T/AC, CO, responded that

• whilst there had been some disorder and pushing in the vicinity of the cordon lines, there had been a party atmosphere elsewhere within the cordon area and only those around the cordon disorder were likely to have felt crushed;
• Tasers were not used in the policing of public order events;
• all business premises had received advice before the demonstrations;
• people played up to reporters/TV crews at all public order events;
• an armoured carrier had been stopped. Its occupants were dressed in uniform bought via the internet, and they were arrested for impersonating police officers. The incident was not related to a recent theft of uniforms;
• to ensure that tensions were not heightened, officers wore flat caps at the beginning of the demonstration. These could be easily exchanged for NATO headgear when required. The Police Federation had a presence in the control room, so were aware of the decision making behind orders relating to clothing;
• there was an observer programme for the MPS and other forces in relation to the Olympics.

The Chair noted that journalists had reported that disorder had not been caused by police provocation. He suggested that a separate briefing be held for members on the policing of the G20 conference once it had finished.

Banyan Mohamed (this item was received after item 9)

The AC, Serious Crime Directorate (SCD) reported that the Attorney General, Baroness Scotland, had asked the MPS to investigate allegations made by Banyan Mohamed, a British resident released from Guantanamo Bay. It was considering whether it should do so.

Resolved – That the oral reports be received.

96. Headline Performance Report

(Agenda item 6)

(This item was heard after item 9). A report was received providing an overview of MPS performance for the rolling year to January 2009 with respect to the critical high-level indicators and information on performance relating to other policing plan indicators.

The T/AC, Territorial Policing (TP), stated that the MPS had put most efforts into combating violent crime and youth violence, and that this had had an impact on resourcing in other areas.

At the last meeting of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee, it had been noted that Appendix 2 of the headline performance report provided the percentage of staff trained and refresher trained to level 2 and noted “Course attendance is voluntary and Public Order training school advise that there has been poor uptake of training. BOCU performance varies and there may be insufficient incentives for those without local public order demands.” Members were concerned by this comment. The A/Deputy Commissioner had reported that courses had perhaps been missed due to public order commitments; however he undertook to provide further information. Appendix 2 of this month’s headline performance report stated ‘TP ACPO are issuing a message to all Boroughs reminding them of the need to send their people on shield training, and regular monitoring information about borough performance will be provided by CO so that boroughs can be held to account for under-performance.’ The T/AC, TP, added that that BOCU and OCU commanders were now being asked to account individually for whether this target was being met.

Members asked if there were targets for domestic homicide, rape and hate crime. They were informed that the critical performance areas were underpinned by a greater performance framework and reports in respect of these targets mentioned would be made to the MPA’s Hate Crime Forum and, if necessary, to this committee. The Chair added that performance management at BOCU level was for MPS line managers, not MPS link members; however any individual concerns could be raised with MPA officers.

The report noted that the satisfaction gap between white and minority ethnic victims was the focus of ongoing research by the Home Office, National Policing Improvement Agency and MPS to gain a greater understanding of the key drivers of satisfaction amongst different user groups. Members asked about timescales for this. The T/AC, TP, undertook to provide a response in the report on this subject proposed for the next meeting. The Headline Performance report also stated that front counter services were being improved by introducing triage systems at counters. In answer to questions, members were told that volunteers, specials, officers and PCSOs staffed front counters under a triage framework. Its aim was not to turn the public away, but deal with its questions efficiently. A member mentioned volunteers working at unscreened counters. The T/AC, TP, said that risk assessments were done of front counters, but would be happy to discuss the particular instance with the member outside the meeting.

Questions were also asked about Operation Spotlight and if it was a sustainable approach to burglary. Members were told that the Operation had only finished in March and the MPS still had to analyse the results.

Resolved – That members note the latest performance against the Policing Plan.

97. Satisfaction gap between White and BME victims

(Agenda item 7)

A report was received providing an update regarding the satisfaction gap between white and black and minority ethnic (BME) victims of crime, background information regarding the satisfaction gap and details of work currently being undertaken by the MPS to reduce the gap. Members were asked about the difference in results between boroughs and were informed about the recent initiatives in Islington. It was noted that a report on drivers for confidence would be coming to the next SOPC.

The Chair noted that there were external factors effected some public’s confidence in the police. Many people living in London had come from countries where the police were corrupt and/or viewed with fear or contempt. Only positive contact with the police in this country would change this view. The Cdr, Organisational Capability and Criminal Justice Reform, said there was evidence to support this view. Members requested that the proposed report included age breakdowns, to examine the effect of Safer Schools initiatives on the perception of the police.

Resolved – That members note the progress being made to narrow the satisfaction gap between white and BME victims of crime.

98. TP thematic performance report

(Agenda item 8)

Members received a report listing the major areas of attention for Territorial Policing (TP) in the context of improving current performance. It set out strategic and tactical measures being put in place at both TP and borough level to improve performance in these areas, and contained an update on key aspects of the MPS Safer Neighbourhoods Programme. Members were also given a brief overview of the delivery of the Safer Neighbourhoods Programme. Members asked questions about link commanders’ performance meetings and how newsletters were delivered. In relation to the latter members were told that there were both local and corporate newsletters. A company was employed to deliver the corporate letter. How local newsletters delivered was a local decision, but hand delivery engendered contact with the public.

Resolved – That the report ne noted.

99. MPS response to the MPA Stockwell Scrutiny

(Agenda item 9)

(This report was considered after item 11). The Committee received a report providing an update on how the MPS was progressing the 34 recommendations arising from the MPA Stockwell Scrutiny Report, progress against the recommendations in the HMIC inspections and Stockwell 1 & 2 and a summary of the new information arising out the Inquest. The report was introduced by the AC, SCD.

In response to members questions, the Head of Oversight and Review, MPA, explained the work of the MPA’s Stockwell Scrutiny Panel, and added that any comments made today would considered by the Panel in the coming week. Members asked about progress on the ACPO firearms manual. AC, SCD, undertook to find out. They also asked when Portsmouth University, commissioned to conduct a 12-month scientific research project on behalf of the MPS and Police Federation to identify a system that ensured the most accurate recollection of events to assist a fair investigation, would finish its report. Members were told this would be in the autumn. The Chair asked about the role of Designated Senior Officer (DSO). He was told there would be a cadre of 12 officers throughout the UK trained for this role. The Chair felt there were inherent dangers in a system that would present officers a pressing situation to deal with at the last minute. The AC, SCD, acknowledged the difficulties, but added that it was the best system available at the moment.

Resolved – That members note the report.

100. Taser trial final report

(Agenda item 10)

(This report was considered after item 5.) The ACPO Taser Specially Trained Unit (STU) trial commenced in the UK in September 2007. The MPS, utilising officers from the TSG entered the trial in December 2007. During the MPS’s trial period (10 December 2007 to 31 July 2008) Tasers were deployed (drawn, aimed, red dot, arced, drive stun or fired) at 209 incidents across London and discharged on 40 occasions. Since the conclusion of trial, the Home Secretary had allowed the deployment of Taser by STUs in UK police services under the terms of the extended deployment ACPO policy. Data on post trial use was also contained in the report and covered the period August 2008 to March 2009 where Taser was deployed at 98 incidents and discharged on 19 occasions. The report noted that no one had suffered serious injury through the use of Taser. In introducing the report the T/AC, CO, stated that on being ‘red dotted’ suspects usually gave themselves up, preventing officer and suspect injuries.

Cindy Butts, Chair of the MPA’s Taser Oversight Group, stated that she had been impressed by the governance arrangements and oversight given to the Group when analysing the pilot, which had showed that Tasers acted as a deterrent. The Group had spent time with the STU and was satisfied with supervision and audit trails, however the Group could not support the extension of the pilot without a business case and at further investigation of the disproportionality in its deployment. She had informed the Commander, Public Order, of the Group’s concerns about disproportionality and he had agreed more research was needed in this direction, she therefore felt it was unacceptable and was disappointed that the report presented to this Committee that did not reflect this. She was also concerned by the number of people with special needs or mental health problems, and young people against who the Taser was used. She therefore wanted an addition to the recommendations to continue the monitoring of the use of Taser by the MPA’s Taser Oversight Group.

The T/AC, CO, stated that disproportionality was of concern to the MPS but did not mean the use of Taser was wrong, adding that STU officers did not choose the incidents they were deployed to. He apologised that the Group’s comments had not been included in the report. Chair of the MPA’s Taser Oversight Group said she did not want to see use of Tasers to be as controversial as stop and search and that the MPS needed to be sensitive to public concerns. A member echoed this, although another felt disproportionality needed to be considered in relation to the population of the areas where Tasers had been used. The Chair suggested that the Taser Oversight Group continue to look at the issues with the MPS.

A member noted Taser training took place over 2 days of 12 hour shifts and felt the days were too long. The T/AC, CO, said that MPS Taser training was acknowledged as the best in the world and even used by the Taser’s manufacturer. He added that the 12 hour days were split into shorter sessions, and that officers were used to working 12 hour shifts and such shifts reduced officers’ absence from duty.

Members asked how the MPS compared to other police services in use of the Taser, if officers now negotiated less, before calling the STU and if it had ever been used more than once on the same person. The T/AC, CO, said the MPS’s use was consistent with national use, there had been no spikes of activity seen at the Commissioner’s Reserve, but when the STU was deployed, incidents were resolved quicker. A member noted that its use had to be seen in the context of other weapons, like firearms or batons.

Resolved – That

1. members note the update on continued deployment of Taser since September 2008 – February 2009; and
2.  support the following recommendations:
   •  MPS TSG continue to deploy Taser on Commissioner’s Reserve
   • MPS Strategic Taser Group continues to review Taser usage across the MPS, together with an assessment of any extension of Taser deployment, including TSG Borough Reserves, making appropriate recommendations to Management Board and the MPA.
   •  Joint MPA and MPS Taser oversight group continues to monitor deployment of Taser by the MPS.

101. Police use of Taser

(Agenda item 11)

This report summarised the MPA oversight of the MPS extended use of Taser pilot. It was not considered further in the light of the above discussion.

Resolved – That the MPA oversight of the Taser pilot be noted.

102. Collaboration on Criminal Justice

(Agenda item 12)

The Committee received a report outlining Criminal Justice projects where the MPA and partners are working in collaboration with particular reference to opportunities, emerging issues and risks arising. The Chair noted that such a report was received at six monthly intervals, and it illustrated the significant process that had been made, although there was still some way to go. It was noted that the Chief Executive of the London Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) was willing to give a presentation to members if required. Members asked how justice was seen to be done at virtual courts. They were told that the proceeding could be viewed by the public in court by means of video links, and that prisoners were provided with legal support.

Resolved – That

1.  the progress in respect of current Criminal Justice projects specified within these report, namely Streamlined Process, Integrated Prosecution Teams, Virtual Courts and Diamond Districts, and youth pilot operating at Lewisham and Greenwich be noted; and
2.  the proposal for collaborative working with partners to roll out Streamlined Forensic Reports, Evidential Drugs Identification Tests and the Bichard 7 project be noted.

103. Joint inspections of police custody facilities

(Agenda item 13)

This report, introduced by the Chief Executive, provided members with an outline of the progress being made to develop joint inspections of police custody facilities. Members asked how evidence would be provided from a police authority member when the MPA no longer gave its members lead member roles. The Chief Executive stated that the Independent Custody Visitors (ICV) coordinators would take responsibility for this.

Resolved – That

1.  the HMIC/HMIP inspection regime be acknowledged and progress on the development of a joint inspection framework for custody noted;
2.  it be agreed that ICV co-ordinators attend ‘hot debriefs’ in place of borough link members; and
3.  the Chief Executive write to the Commissioner to inform him of the proposals outlined in this report.

104. Preventing violent extremism (PVE) - members role

(Agenda item 14)

During the 5 February seminar on Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE), members requested that a practical next steps guide be produced setting out the MPA role in PVE and providing support for members at engagement and partnership level. A report was received providing background on the PVE programme for those members unable to attend the seminar in February and setting out the key principles that governed the delivery of PVE at a local level.

Resolved – That

1. MPA officers monitor progress on delivering Prevent across boroughs and report back to relevant MPA committees on a twice yearly basis, supporting members on London wide and national prevent boards;
2. the Authority host a follow up seminar/s from the London Debate in June to inform the Authority on progress against the consultation recommendations, to consider current and changing MPS policy on section 44 and to research the impact of the Prevent programme in London’s communities; and
3.  members review MPS progress against Prevent objectives in a year’s time.

105. Delegation of authority

(Agenda item 15)

A report was presented by the Director of Legal Services setting out all relevant and significant matters based on which members of the MPA were requested to delegate limited authority in respect of ex gratia payments for property damage claims

Resolved – That

1. members delegate authority to the Director of Legal Services and his nominated officers to make ex gratia payments in respect of claims for loss or damage to property only, where there is no legal liability; and
2. delegate financial authority up to a value of £5000 for ex gratia payments in accordance with the scheme set out in Appendix 1.

106. Race and Faith Inquiry – panel remuneration

(Agenda item 16)

This report proposed remuneration for the Chair of the Race and Faith Inquiry Panel and a basis for deciding on similar positions in the future.

Resolved – That

1.  the Chair of the Race and Faith Inquiry, Cindy Butts, receive a one-off allowance of £7,500; and
2.  that future situations where members are asked to undertake a significant piece of work be judged on a case by case basis, taking into account the kinds of factors outlined in paragraph 4 of this report.

107. Minutes of Sub-committees (Part 1)

(Agenda item 17)

Members considered the minutes of the above meetings.

Resolved – That the minutes (part 1) of the Counter-Terrorism and Protective Services Sub-Committee - 21 January 2009 and Professional Standards Cases Sub Committee –11 February 2009, be noted

108. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 18)

A resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting during remaining items on the agenda as they were likely to disclose exempt information as described in Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act 1972, paragraph 3.

Resolved - That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the remaining items on the agenda

109. Urgent actions and authorisation for funding of legal representation and authorisation of requests for settlement of civil claims (if any)

(Agenda item 19)

No urgent actions and requests for authorisation of funding were received.

110. Minutes of Sub-committees (Part 2)

(Agenda item 20)

Members considered the minutes of the above meetings.

Resolved – That the minutes (part 2) of the Counter-Terrorism and Protective Services Sub-Committee - 21 January 2009 and Professional Standards Cases Sub Committee –11 February 2009, be noted

The meeting ended at 4.25 p.m.

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