Minutes

Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 7 May 2009 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (Chair)
• Jennette Arnold
• James Cleverly
• Toby Harris (Vice Chair)
• Neil Johnson
• Jenny Jones (item 1-10)
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon (item 1-14)

Also in attendance: Valerie Brasse (member) and Deborah Glass (Commissioner, IPCC).

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Ken Hunt (Treasurer)
• Ruth Hastings Iqball (Committee Officer)

MPS officers

• Ailsa Beaton, (Director of Information)
• Andy Campbell (A/Det Chief Supt, Professional Standards)
• Craig Denholm (Cdr Specialist Operations)
• Rose Fitzpatrick (T/AC, Territorial Policing)
• Simon Foy (Cdr, Serious Crime Directorate)
• Rod Jarman (DAC, Territorial Policing)
• Jon Pritchard (ICT Category Director, Procurement Services)
• Janet Williams (T/AC, Serious Crime Directorate).

111. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Cindy Butts and Steve O’Connell (members).

112. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

Toby Harris declared a personal interest in relation to agenda items 4 and 5, stating that he was Chair of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody.

Resolved – That the declaration of interest be noted.

113. Minutes: Strategic and Operational Policing Committee – 2 April 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 2 April 2009 be agreed and be signed as a correct record.

114. Presentation by IPCC

(Agenda item 4)

Deborah Glass, Commissioner, IPCC, gave a presentation entitled ‘IPCC Work with MPS 2008/2009’ (attached as Appendix 1). It outlined the number of investigations, referrals and case work carried out by the IPCC relating to the MPS. The Commissioner added that the number of local referrals was disappointing. She concluded that the IPCC, as a joint project with the Association of Police Authorities, Association of Chief Police Officers, National Police Improvement Agency and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, was developing a performance framework, which would go live in London and the south east next March. Her next report, therefore, would be within this framework.

Members asked how many complaints were made to the IPCC. They were told that 40,000 complaints were made a year. They also asked if complaints were made in relation to child abuse. The Commissioner stated that the IPCC did receive complaints about neglect of duty in relation to allegations of abuse or rape, but she did not have figures in relation to complaints made on behalf of children. In her presentation, the Commissioner had stated that the public often just wanted an apology. Members noted that in other walks of life employees were advised against making admissions of omission for fear of legal claims. The Chair noted that in previous years there had been discrepancies between IPCC and MPS data and asked if the problems had been Resolved and if IPCC data quality assured. The Commissioner stated that the IPCC followed data standards and its figures were checked against MPS data.

Resolved – That the presentation be received.

115. Referrals from MPS relating to fatalities April 2004-December 2008' - IPCC report

(Agenda item 5)

A report was received which contained as an appendix a report by the IPCC entitled ‘Referrals from MPS relating to fatalities April 2004 – December 2008’. It had been circulated to members with less than five clear working days’ notice, however Chair agreed to receive it as an urgent item under the provisions of section 100B (4b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Members asked how recommendations in relation to pursuits and driver training where shared with police authorities. The Commissioner, IPCC, agreed to develop a tripartite information sharing system involving police authorities. She added that a lot of work was being completed nationally on pursuit, and it was for ACPO not the IPCC to make policy in relation to operational policing matters. Members asked how near misses were captured. they were informed by A/Det Chief Supt, Professional Standards, that they were investigated by the MPS in the first instance and that there had been 50 near misses in the past year.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

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

(Agenda item 6)

No urgent actions or urgent operational issues were reported.

117. Headline Performance report

(Agenda item 7)

The T/AC, Territorial Policing, introduced a report providing an overview of MPS performance for 2008/09. The report comprised three elements:

• crime performance for selected crime categories,
• performance against the MPS Critical Performance Areas, and
• performance against other policing plan indicators.

She stated that reported crime was the lowest for 10 years and that the sanctioned detention rate had doubled.

The Chair queried para. 7 of the report which noted 'Crime in London has continued to fall with over 18,600 fewer crimes in 2008/9 compared to last year, a 2.2% reduction to the lowest level in ten financial years’. The T/AC, Territorial Policing, undertook to check the figures. Members felt the figures were less good for rape and hate crime, where there had been historic under reporting and where there were no baseline control figures. The T/AC, Territorial Policing, stated there was increasing confidence in reporting such crimes and that the MPS did not want to reduce the number of such crimes reported. She outlined methods by which such reporting was being increased, the work of the advisory groups and tactics to pre-empt such crimes.

Members also asked if the increase in business crime (primarily shoplifting) was recent and if it was more prevalent in specific areas. The T/AC, Territorial Policing, stated that major chains were now reporting more of such crimes Members also asked if it was true that more burglaries happened at Christmas, when prolific offenders were released from goal. The T/AC, Territorial Policing, stated that the police worked with the National Offender Management Agency to improve their knowledge of the whereabouts of ex offenders.

Resolved – That the full year performance against the Policing Plan be noted.

118. Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD) - Thematic Performance Report

(Agenda item 8)

The T/AC, Serious Crime Directorate (SCD), introduced a report providing a summary of SCD’s performance against its key measures and targets from April 2008 to March 2009. The Chair reminded members that they could be provided with a further briefing on any aspect of SCD.

In answer to questions, members were told that investigation of rape, prostitution and human trafficking now all fell within SCD, although the Clubs and Vice Unit remained within TP. SCD was liaising with the Unit on eliminating any overlaps. Member also noted that the Child Abuse investigation Command (CAIC) was now only having 89 new staff, not the 100 originally envisaged. They were told the CAIT Commander would have like 100 extra officers, but this figure was looked at by ‘critical friends’ who felt it could be rationalised without loss of safety or standards of delivery. The figure would remain under review by the SCD Support Command. Members also asked if the number of CAIC staff were ring fenced, about the Paedophile Unit. It was agreed this information, together with an outline of responses to all outstanding recommendations from Lord Laming’s Inquiry, would be contained in the report on ‘baby P’ that would be received at the next committee meeting.

Members felt the race and equality impact paragraph was poor. The T/AC, SCD, undertook to ensure it was better in the future. Members also asked about economic crime, and were informed that the T/AC, SCD, was the ACPO lead for economic crime and how the MPS, because of its size, could act as a lead and conduct investigations, whilst the Serious and Organised Crime Agency concentrated on communication across jurisdictions and liaison with foreign countries. Questions were asked about crime involving betting shops and if this was because they were open long hours, had poor alarms systems and few staff. It was agreed a briefing paper would be supplied to members on betting shop raids.

A member said she had been present on a joint raid with the Clubs and Vice Unit and UK Border Agency and had felt the prostitutes had been treated poorly by the Agency. She asked if the MPS still made joint raids. The Clubs and Vice Unit was outside the T/AC’s command, but she undertook to find figures. She however added that the MPS worked with partners in this field such as the POPPY Project. (Note: The POPPY Project, set up in 2003, is funded by the Office for Criminal Justice Reform to provide accommodation and support to women who have been trafficked into prostitution.)

Questions were asked about asset recovery figures and members were told that SCD had less but larger asset recovery packages compared with TP’s, which had more but of less value. Members also asked about SCD sickness levels. They were told they were generally below the level of the rest of the MPS, but higher in the CAIC and Vetting Unit. The T/AC, SCD, was asked about accommodation for the Economic Crime Unit. She stated this remained outstanding, but she was approaching the Director of Resources for assistance.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

119. The transfer of accountability for rape and serious sexual violence investigation from the Territorial Policing (TP) Business Group to Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD)

(Agenda item 9)

At the beginning of 2008, MPS concern over the two recent linked and high profile serious and series sexual offences cases led the, then, Commissioner to commission an in-depth assessment of the MPS response to rape and serious sexual violence. In March 2009, after extensive consultation and review, the MPS Management Board agreed that, whilst much excellent work has been achieved by Sapphire teams since their creation, accountability for rape and serious sexual violence investigation should transfer from mainstream policing arrangements in TP to the SCD in September 2009. It believed a dedicated 24-hour response to victims within a single dedicated line management would provide greater and more consistent support for victims would professionalise the MPS’ investigative response with specially trained staff and would build on the organisational learning from internal reviews, including the two recent linked series cases.

Members noted that TP officers would still remain the first point of contact for most victims, noted the risks outlined in the report, and asked what lessons had been learn from BOCUs that had a weak performance in this area. The Chair noted that four models had been considered but the report did not say why the preferred model had been selected, especially as the preferred model was different from that selected by the Professional Standards Directorate to deliver the Taylor reforms. The Cdr, SCD, informed members that TP and Sexual Offence Investigative Techniques (SOIT) officers would ‘buddy up’. There would be smaller turnover of staff, specialist staff would not be diverted by to other duties and for the first time there would a specific rape investigators course’. The preferred model had been chosen with the aim of giving victims consistent satisfaction and a professional investigation.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

120. Section 44 Terrorism Act 2000 - tactical use review

(Agenda item 10)

The Committee received a report highlighting the history and rationale for the tactical review of sec. 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and developed several findings in the form of a suggested model, with recommendations drawn from the process of research, engagement and analysis of the tactical use of sec. 44 in the MPS. The Chair reminded members that the report was only about stops and searches made under sec. 44 of the Terrorism Act. He added that Lord Carlile had, during the London Debate, been told that its use caused loss of confidence by the public and that the then Deputy Commissioner had said he would reconsider its use. The Cdr, Specialist Operations (SO), added that following the terrorist attacks at the Haymarket, London, and Glasgow airport, the MPS had taken a strategic decision to increase the use of sec. 44 to deter offenders and prevent further attacks. He added that it its highly visible use on main roads into London was effective in increasing public confidence.

The report stated that it was intended to pilot the revised approach from May 2009 on four boroughs, Southwark, Brent, Newham and Tower Hamlets. Link members were concerned that this was the first time they had been made aware of the pilots was on reading the report. They also asked how the pilots would be monitored. The Cdr, SO, apologised for not informing members. Members noted that the MPS had in place an area-wide authority for sec. 44, signed by ACSO and reviewed every 28 days or close to, on a schedule aligned with our Guardian Partner forces in London. Members asked why the power was required pan London. They were told it was because limiting the powers to small groups of streets would be very difficult to police and apply. Members also asked about the prohibition of taking photos under sec. 58 of the Act. They were told that the instruction to officers and PCSOs concerning this had recently been reissued. Members asked to see a copy. The Commissioner, IPCC, added that a position paper on stop and search was being prepared by the IPCC.

The Chair asked that further recommendations be added to those in the report: that members be engaged in the review and evaluation of the pilots and that a report would come back to the Committee in three months time. Members requested that the future report state if the introduction of the model had led to greater use of sec. 43 powers.

Resolved – That

1. the MPA note the review and its findings;
2. a future joint MPS and MPA consultative seminar takes place; and
3. that members be engaged in the review and evaluation of the pilots and a report come back to the committee in three months time.

121. Policing town centres safely

(Agenda item 11)

A report was received setting out the delivery of a new approach to policing town centres including criteria for selecting locations, engagement plans, accommodation and implementation plan, It also included:

• the community/partner engagement strategy for identifying the first sixteen town centre footprints;
• details of how the Special Constabulary would form part of these teams; and
• an implementation plan for the 32 Town Centre Teams over the next two years.

A member asked if CDRPs were aware of the proposals, as she had attended a CDRP meeting where discussion had focussed on buying more officers to police town centres. Members were told that CDRPs had been engaged in identifying town centre footprints. Members asked about the selection of transport hubs. They were informed that they had been identified by Operation Tyrol and were based on crime patterns and bus driver reports.

Members felt they had not been properly consulted about the proposals and expressed a desire to be kept better informed especially in the light of their CDRP role. The Chief Executive stated that she shared members concerns and would discuss the matter further with the T/AC, TP, and the MPA’s Head of Engagement and Partnerships. She agreed the MPA needed a better intelligence system.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

122. Report on the sub committees of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee

(Agenda item 12)

This report contained a summary of reports received by the sub committees of Strategic and Operational Policing Committee namely:

• Counter-Terrorism and Protective Services Sub-committee - 1 April 2009
• Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee - 9 March 2009
• Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee - 2 April 2009
• Olympics / Paralympics Sub-committee - 22 January 2009

Resolved – That the report be noted.

123. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 13)

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

Summary of exempt items

124. Termination of the Traffic Reporting Information System (TRIS) contract

(Agenda item 14)

The Committee received a report outlining the background to the procurement of the Traffic Reporting Information System (TRIS) and summarising the problems encountered since the contract was signed four years ago. The way forward proposed by the MPS was agreed.

125. The settlement of claims resulting from arrests outside the Mexican Embassy in 2006

A late and additional report was received on the settlement of five claims following arrests outside the Mexican Embassy in 2006. The report outlined the circumstances surrounding the claims. Members expressed concern that they had not been made aware of this case earlier under the MPA/MPS protocol on compensation cases, and amendment to the protocol was agreed to PREVENT this happening again.

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

(Agenda item 15)

No requests for urgent action or requests for authorisation of funding of legal representation and settlement of civil claims were received.

The meeting ended at 4.55 p.m.

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