Minutes

Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 8 June 2009 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (Chair)
• Jennette Arnold
• Toby Harris (Vice Chair)
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon

Also in attendance: Valerie Brasse (member)

MPA officers

• Annabel Adams (Deputy Treasurer)
• Siobhan Coldwell (Head of Oversight and Review)
• Jane Harwood (Deputy Chief Executive)
• Ruth Hastings Iqball (Committee Officer)

MPS officers

• Simon Bray (Cdr, Westminster BOCU)
• Richard Clarke (Director, Service and Improvement)
• Simon Foy (Cdr, Serious Crime Directorate)
• Allan Gibson (A/DAC SCD)
• Reg Hooke (Det Supt, SCD5)
• Rod Jarman (DAC, Territorial Policing)
• Anne McMeel (Director or Resources)
• Paul Minton (Cdr, Territorial Policing)
• Simon Pountain (Cdr, SCD)
• Mark Simmons, (Cdr (Crime), TP)
• Graham Sparrow (Head of Vetting, SCD)

127. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Cindy Butts, James Cleverly and Neil Johnson.

128. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

Jennette Arnold declared a personal interest in relation to agenda item 10 stating that she was Patron of the Victoria Climbié Foundation.

Resolved – That the declaration of interest be noted.

129. Minutes: Strategic and Operational Policing Committee (part 1) - 7 May 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) held on 7 May 2009 be agreed and be signed as a correct record.

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

(Agenda item 4)

Dano Sonnex

The Cdr, Serious Crime Directorate (SCD), provided an oral briefing on the issues relating to the MPS to the murder of two French students and the subsequent conviction of their attackers. The Cdr, (SCD), paid tribute to the dignity of the families of the students and the work of detectives and family liaison officers involved in the case. He then outlined the circumstances that allowed Sonnex, one of the murderers to be free to commit these crimes. It was agreed that a full report would be submitted to the next committee meeting.

Rape in east London

A member requested a briefing paper on a recent incident in east London.

Resolved – That

1. the oral update be received;
2. a report be received at the next Committee on the circumstances that allowed Dano Sonnex to be free to commit murder; and
3. a briefing be sent to members on a recent rape in east London.

131. Headline performance report proforma - 2009/10

(Agenda item 5)

A report was received detailing the indicators that would feature in the monthly headline performance reports throughout 2009/10. Continuing the style of previous reports, 2009/10 reports would comprise two sections: Critical Performance Areas – highlighting the ‘vital few’ corporate indicators; and Other Corporate Policing Plan Indicators. For the benefit of new members, the Chair asked DAC, Territorial Policing (TP) to define sanctioned detections. They were informed that these were used because they were more immediate than ‘offenders brought to justice’ figures that could relate to crimes several years ago, because of the time taken for cases to proceed through the justice system.

Resolved – That Headline Performance Report Proforma for 2009/10 be approved

132. An update on confidence in local policing

(Agenda item 6)

This report provided an update on confidence in local policing covering:

• current MPS performance and national comparisons.
• the drivers of confidence.
• Borough variations.
• diversity and equality.
• the MPS strategy in delivering the Home Office confidence target.
• partnership issues.

Members expressed surprise that para. 32 ‘MPS actions to improve public confidence’ did not include working with Community Police Consultative Groups (CPCGs). The Chair asked how many Local Area Agreements (LAAs) had a measure for confidence. Members were informed that there were no generic targets for both the police and LAAs and that the Home Office had been informed of this. The Chair requested a report containing the most up to date data be submitted to the next Committee meeting. Members asked about levels of satisfaction felt by those with disabilities and were told this issue would be dealt with by the next Hate Crime Forum with regard to the Public Attitude Survey. The DAC, TP, added that often those questioned had had no direct contact with the police, and the public’s views were often based on perceptions that the MPS needed to challenge by engagement.

Resolved – That members note the update on improving public confidence in policing.

133. Territorial Policing thematic performance report

(Agenda item 7)

A report was received providing:

• details of current performance achievements
• information about the current and future management of crime property;
• a report by exception on top key level performance areas at a London-wide and Borough level; and
• an update on the outcome of Operation Spotlight, discussing how the MPS will build on good practice identified during the operation.

Members asked about sharing good practice from high performing boroughs and how the success of the expensive Operation Spotlight was measured. They were told TP gave BOCUs, which sometime struggled for reasons beyond their control, support and direction. Good practice was shared through the themed Crime Control Strategy Meetings. The success of Operation Spotlight was monitored and the cost had been well spent.

The Cdr, TP, said that the Internal Audit report and internal investigations had highlighted the need for the MPS to manage property better before the introduction of METAPHOR (an integrated property recording and management system). The MPS was now piloting the business ownership of property at Westminster BOCU and making property management part of the performance regime. When asked for particulars of good and poor management of property, members were informed that it was taking too long to restore property to its rightful owner, and there was confusion between cash obtained under the Proceeds of Crime Act and other cash property which had led to opportunities for it to mishandled. METAPHOR would join up the control of property across the MPS, all property records would be back record converted and the restoration of property would free up space in MPS buildings.

Resolved – That

1. the work being undertaken to improve MPS processes in respect of the management of crime related property be noted;
2. TP’s performance in 2008/09 be noted; and
3. the outcome of Operation Spotlight be noted and the proposed approach to help drive burglary performance in 2009/10 be endorsed.

134. HMIC ‘Going Local’ Inspection of Westminster BOCU

(Agenda item 8)

The Committee received a report highlighting the recent HMIC inspection of Westminster BOCU, setting it within context and indicating action to progress and address the recommendations arising from the inspection.

Members noted that one recommendation had not been taken up and asked if the borough could do this. They were told this recommendation related to the suggested amalgamation of the three sub divisions within the BOCU. The MPS, because of the size of the borough, had decided not to do this, although some administration functions had been amalgamated. This approach had been discussed with the HMIC.

Members also asked if they could see the whole report and if it contained an overall assessment. Members advised that it was not given as an overall score. They also noted this was the only BOCU led by an officer of commander rank (although Lambeth had been at one time) and if this should be reviewed. The Chair noted that members used to see all HMIC reports, but they were now only seen by relevant officers and members. The link member and CDRP had been informed of the inspection. This report had been submitted to the Committee so members might be more aware of what was happening on other boroughs. He added that the issue about the rank of the officer in charge was not something that could be dealt with by this committee. The DAC, TP, said BOCUs varied considerably in size and their management was always kept under review. All HMIC reports were now available to the public on its website. They would be less opaque in future, as the HMIC was taking the role of public champion like other regulatory bodies. Members asked about the corporate role in examining recommendations from all HMIC reports.

Resolved – That the report be noted and a report be received on progress in late 2009.

135. PCSO update

(Agenda item 9)

This report provided an update on work carried out by the MPS in response to issues raised primarily as a result of the police staff disciplinary report presented to the Committee in February 2009.

The DAC, TP, said the MPS did not want to see an extension of its PCSOs powers. The Chair added that a couple of years ago, a number of members had looked at these powers in detail. The DAC, TP, said the number of discipline cases had gone down year on year, despite the number of PCSOs increasing because lessons had been learnt from the early days of PCSO recruitment and systematic training and development had now been introduced.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

136. MPS response to Laming 2

(Agenda item 10)

This report provided

• an MPS initial response to the recommendations in the Lord Laming review; ‘The protection of children in England, a progress report, following the death of baby P’.
• an MPS response to the recommendations in the second serious case review (SCR) of Baby Peter.
• an outline of the MPS oversight of SCRs
• an update on the progress of the MPS action plan outlined in the report provided to the committee in December 2008 and January 2009
• details of SCD5 officer and staff strength since 2006 and planned growth through 2009/10.

Members welcomed the improvements outlined in the report. it was felt the death of baby P could have been avoided if relevant agencies had had a grip on matters and felt able to challenge decisions and the family. Many issues were raised including:

• quality of investigations – were they being addressed across TP?
• what was the driver for multiagency training?
• Performance?
• how will the additional resources be retained?
• where were the additional staff coming from?
• had they the right skills and gender balance?
• where would the additional funding for the SCD5 come from in future years?
• organisational learning?
• allocation of resources to boroughs?
• timescales?
• collocation?
• dip sampling?
• attendance at SCRs
• handover of cases

Members were told that a two day multi-agency critical incident training course had been produced and offered across London free of charge. .The MPS was looking to try and identify repeat victims, to ensure that all was being done that could be. Transparency would be needed about the retention of resources in a time of recession. No guarantee could be given that staff would be retained but there would be consultation before any changes were made. In answer to questions about IT, members were told additional staff were not predicated upon this, but the IT would help with supervision. Training was being provided to those who found difficulty in challenging. In regard to collocation, members were told it related to the referral assessment process, but the principle cut across SCD’s regionalisation, however there had been no choice in the case of Haringey. A briefing note on attendance at SCRs and dip sampling would be sent to members. Cases could be retained by an officer if the relationship between him/her and the family was very close.

The Chair added that future funding was not an issue that could be answered by the A/DAC, SCD. The MPA would look at priorities when considering the capital programme. The Director of Resources said a report was going to July Finance and Resources Committee on the capital programme.

Resolved – That

1. the contents of the current report be noted;
2. the report be considered alongside the content of the previous reports presented on the 4 December 2008 and 8 January 2009; and
3. a further report be received in the autumn.

137. MPS response to dangerous dogs – update report

(Agenda item 11)

Members received an update to the report submitted to the Committee in January 2009. In March 2009, the MPS launched its new Status Dogs Unit as part of the Dog Support Unit (DSU) within Central Operations. Its officers were accredited experts (Dog Legislation Officers) were dedicated to this role as opposed to the previous system where DSU officers also handled police dogs. This report provided an outline of how the new unit was working and its benefits to the MPS and the public.

Resolved – That the action being taken by the MPS was noted.

138. Organisational learning

(Agenda item 12)

A report was received providing an update report on organisational learning in the MPS. Members were informed that the Deputy Commissioner had lead responsibility for organisational learning within the MPS.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

139. Strategic assessment summary, spring 2009

(Agenda item 13)

This report summarised the risks and challenges facing the MPS over the next 5-10 years and detailed how these would be considered in the strategy development and business planning process. Members asked how the MPS would work with the rest of the GLA family. They were told that the MPS liaised continually with the GLA over such matters as technology, property and services and that the report reflected GLA data. The Chair requested that if members had any further thoughts on the report they email the Deputy Chief Executive. He added that the recession caused small business to be more vulnerable to theft, and also suggested benchmarking and working with other forces should be added. The Director, Service and Improvement, said the National Police Improvement Agency was looking at the future and at sharing best practice across forces.

Resolved – That

1. the challenges and risks arising from London’s growth be noted;
2. the relationship between horizon scanning work, corporate strategy and business planning be noted; and
3. members propose any other areas they consider critical to the future of the MPS and MPA.

140. Policing London Annual Report 2008/09

(Agenda item 14)

The Committee received a report summarising the approach to the development of the Policing London Annual Report 2008/09 and providing a draft on behalf of the Commissioner for comment prior to submission to full Authority on 25 June 2009.

Resolved – That the report be noted and members comment of the draft contents.

141. Budget and business plan 2010-13

(Agenda item 15)

This report set out the proposed approach for delivering the 2010-13 Budget and Business Plan in line with the Mayor’s guidance and the increasingly constrained financial environment. (The report was also to be considered by the Finance and Resources Committee.)

Members voiced concern over reports of various requests made by TP to BOCU commanders asking about exemplifications on possible savings in various financial years. It was agreed that a briefing should be sent to members explaining what had had exactly been asked. It was felt it was important that members understood such messages; otherwise they were put in an invidious position. In answer to questions, the Director of Resources explained that all business groups were asked to produce exemplifications and all received the same guidance. All the submissions would be submitted to MPS’s Management Board in July.

Resolved – That the approach for delivering the 2010-13 Budget and Business Plan in line with the Mayor’s guidance be noted.

142. Service Improvement Plan

(Agenda item 16)

Members received a report summarising the approach being adopted on developing and delivering the MPS Service Improvement Plan (SIP). The Chair felt service improvement was core MPA business. Although he was content with the plan proposed in the report, he was concerned that the MPS had produced it without consulting the MPA. The Director of Resources stated that it had been included in the budget submission considered by a number of MPA Committees and that programmes making up the plan, such as Herald and Criminal Justice, had been submitted to the Authority for consideration at a number of Committees. The Chair stated that this might be true, but the projects were on an individual basis and the MPA had not been consulted on the totality of the SIP. He would take this forward with MPA officers.

Resolved – That the approach being adopted on developing and delivering the MPS Service Improvement Plan be noted.

143. Police authority inspection – responding to consultation

(Agenda item 17)

This report summarised the key issues arising in relation to the recently announced HMIC/Audit Commission consultation on police authority inspection. The report outlined the proposed MPA consultation response (required by 10 June) and considered some of the issues for which the MPA would need to prepare, in advance of its inspection in the autumn.

The Head of Oversight and Review stated that the Association of Police Authorities did not now favour either of the options outlined in para. d of the report and now wanted to have both peer members and peer officers. Members agreed. She also asked for views on scoring. Members felt police authorities should be scored like other public bodies.

Resolved – That members comment on the draft MPA response to the consultation on police authority inspections and endorse it on behalf of the MPA.

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

(Agenda item 18)

This report contains a summary of reports received by the sub committees of Strategic and Operational Policing Committee.

Resolved – That report be noted.

145. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 19)

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

146. Operation Blunt 2

(Agenda item 20)

This report provided members with an overview of the strategic and tactical learning from Operation Blunt 2 which was the MPS’s operational response to knife crime and broader serious youth violence. The report considered the learning that had emerged from developing and maintaining a strong community mandate for enhanced stop and search to deter the carrying of lethal weapons and included the ongoing transfer of strategic and tactical learning, including comment on contributions to public confidence indicators. Members asked how the successes of the Operation were communicated to the public, if the Operation was sustainable and if it caused tensions within the BOCUs providing the manpower.

147. Vetting

(Agenda item 21)

This report provided a briefing of vetting within the MPS. National Security Vetting at Developed Vetting (DV) and Security Check (SC) level for police officers and all staff grades with exception of ACPO ranks rested with the National Security Vetting Unit of the Counter Terrorism Command. SCD Personnel Security Group (PSG) was responsible for undertaking vetting enquiries on all recruits, new staff and MPS. The report stated the two units were progressing towards a merger within Specialist Operations (SO) on this financial year. The Chair felt the reasons for moving of vetting functions to SO were not compelling and suggested that a meeting be held outside the Committee to discuss matters further.

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

(Agenda item 22)

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

149. Minutes: Strategic and Operational Policing Committee (part 2) - 7 May 2009

(Agenda item 23)

The minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee (Part 2) held on 7 May 2009 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

The meeting ended at 12.35 a.m.

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