Minutes - draft

These minutes are draft and are to be agreed.

Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 3 December 2009 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (Chairman)
• Jennette Arnold
• Christopher Boothman
• Toby Harris (Vice Chairman)
• Jenny Jones
• Joanna McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Richard Tracey
• Deborah Regal

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Jane Harwood (Deputy Chief Executive)
• Siobhan Coldwell (Head of Oversight and Review)

MPS officers

• Anne McMeel (Director of Resources)
• Ailsa Beaton, (Director, DoI)
• Edward Solomons (Director of Legal Services)
• Martin Tiplady (Director of HR)
• Commander Stewart (Cdr, DPS)
• Simon Bray, DAC Lynn Owens

75. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

75.1 Apologies for absence were received from Cindy Butts and Kit Malthouse.

76. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

76.1 No declarations were made.

77. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

77.1 The Committee considered the minutes of the meetings held on 15 October 2009 and 5 November 2009.

77.2 It was noted that Deborah Regal was in attendance at both meetings.

77.3 The Chairman reported that he had received comments from another member of the Authority who had attended the November meeting and wished to make the following comments on the minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2009:

Minute 62.1 introduced by the Superintendent (not Cdr) SCD5…

Minute 62.1 resolution 3 ‘members to receive a copy of the serious case review for baby Peters’ sibling and a report be received by the Committee on this matters following the HMIC joint area review”

Minutes 65.3: be amended to include ‘…and noted that in relation to children and vulnerable adults in circumstances set out in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons Act, from last month any officer or staff member disciplined…..’

Resolved – That

1. the amendments to the minutes of the meetings held on 15 October 2009 and 5 November 2009 be agreed; and
2. the minutes, subject to the agreed amendments, of the meetings held on 15 October 2009 and 5 November 2009 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

78. Urgent actions and urgent operational issues

(Agenda item 4)

78.1 The Chief Executive reported that the Authority had received a preliminary report on a review of a civil case.

Resolved – That the report be received.

79. Headline performance report

(Agenda item 5)

79.1 This report provided the Committee with an overview of progress against targets set for Critical Performance Areas and other corporate measures featured in the Policing London Business Plan 2009–12.

79.2 Members asked for further details of the ‘three borough projects’.

79.3 Members were reminded that the purpose of the three borough project was to create a command and control mechanism across three boroughs and that this had improved response times. It was reported that there were three control centres in London (CCC) where calls are received. Each borough also had IBO and there was an acknowledgment that there was a mismatch in response times between CCC and IBOs.

79.4 A member reported that she had recently met with her borough commander in Enfield (one of the pilot boroughs) and response times have improved. However, the she queried whether the three borough project would have an impact on satisfaction levels and the satisfaction gap between white and BME victims.

79.5 Members asked if there would be an evaluation of the pilot before it is rolled out across London and commended the task force on their cross borough approach.

79.6 The Committee were informed that the number of people who respond to satisfaction surveys (at borough level) was low, however, there has been a slight improvement in satisfaction. This is being considered as part of the evaluation and when the full evolution had been completed details would be shared members.

79.7 Members asked for a view on the trends of offenders travelling in from outside of London to commit burglary offences. The Chairman also asked how success is being measured in Hillingdon, particularly around value for money.

79.8 In relation to trends of burglars travelling from outside the London area in to London, it was reported that evidence it was suggested that the MPS region was a net exporter, rather than importer, of burglary offenders. Members were informed that one measure being adopted to deal with this issue was the investment of more resources in ANPR, particularly around M25 borders. Regarding Hillingdon and measuring success, it was reported that the MPS are reducing burglary offences from 10-15 per day (pre-Bumblebee) to 5-6 per day (currently). The MPS are measuring value for money as part of the evaluation and will bring cost-benefit analysis to the Committee at a later date. Members were informed that as at 1 November 2009, 1026 burglars had been remanded in custody and as reported at the last full Authority meeting the MPS are currently engaging with Criminal Justice partners around court bail issues.

Resolved – That members note the latest performance against the Policing Plan and the MPS’s activity underway to improve outcomes.

80. The role and work of the Directorate of Legal Services

(Agenda item 6)

80.1 As part of its twice-yearly reports, the Committee received a report that provided an update on the role and work of the MPS Directorate of Legal Services (DLS).

80.2 The Director of Legal Services in presenting the report corrected an error at paragraph 10 that stated that DLS are obtaining a Notification Order against a terrorist convicted overseas. This should have read ‘DLS are advising on the possibility of obtaining a Notification Order against a terrorist convicted overseas’ and he apologised for this error.

80.3 Members asked a number of questions which included:

• Clarification around what a Notification Order was.
• Member asked for further details on DLS input advising officers on recent (and future planned) anti-Islam demonstrations. How does the DLS balance the impact on equalities with the right to protest?
• Members asked if anti-Islam demonstrations around the country were linked and, if so, how the MPS links up with other forces.

80.4 Regarding Notification Orders members were informed that this is a new power used when someone is convicted in another country (which is deemed to have a fair judicial process) of an offence of a terrorist nature, the person must report to a police station on returning to the UK, give finger prints/DNA and address that they will be residing at and keep the police informed of their whereabouts/report regularly to the police.

80.5 Members asked about DLS input to public order policing issues. They were informed that DLS was regularly consulted about Human Rights Act and other legal issues. ‘Balance’ was the key to this matter and DLS would advise officers on what is/is not lawful and what factors they should take into account in developing their plans for policing of events.

80.6 On the matter of demonstrations members noted that the MPS was currently chairing a community impact group around demonstrations such as the anti-Islam demonstration in Harrow. The group was working closely with Muslim communities prior to the planned demonstration on 13 December and that leaflets would be handed out by SNT officers and used by Mosques.

80.7 Confirmation was given that there was a link between the anti –Islam demonstrations and the MPS were working with partners including the HMIC and gold group commanders in other forces on this matter.

Resolved – That the report be received.

81. HMIC ‘Going Local’ inspection of Westminster BOCU

(Agenda item 7)

81.1 A report was received that updated members on the progress made by Westminster BOCU to address and implement the recommendations made by HMIC following the inspection of the borough in January 2009.

81.2 Members were informed that the Resource Delivery Plan was the only recommendation that had not yet been completed or adopted and that overall the key issue of performance in the BOCU had improved.

81.3 The Chairman invited members to comment and members raised the following questions:

• The Committee asked for an explanation for the rise in hate crime.
• Was the MPS satisfied that the issues raised in paragraph 1.7 of appendix one to the report (concerns around staff compliance with policy and direction, management of staff discipline and sickness and morale of security PCSOs) had been fully implemented?
• Members sought clarification as to why the delivery plan of the Westminster Diversity Strategy was being delayed until the MPA Race and Faith Inquiry conclusions are known (as stated in Race and Equality Impact Section of the report), bearing in mind the MPS Diversity and Equality Strategy 2009–13 was launched earlier this week.

81.4 Members were informed that there was nothing specific in relation to the rise in hate crimes, although the increase could be account for more confidence in reporting these crimes and the MPS being more responsive.

81.5 Following a number of initiative around the way PCSOs are employed, including additional training for PCSOs and their managers, there was a growing confidence around staff compliance with policy and direction, management of staff discipline and sickness and morale of security PCSOs.

81.6 Confirmation was given that there was draft diversity plan and a HR group would be established to consider the plan. Following this it was anticipated that this matter would be subject to a small scale HMIC inspection report in March 2010.

Resolved – That

1. the response to the HMIC inspection in January 2009 and executive summary as given at appendix 1 to the report be noted;
2. the Committee receives an update report following the HMIC formal visit in spring 2010.

82. Professional standards performance indicators

(Agenda item 8)

82.1 Members considered a report that updated them on current performance regarding Professional standards performance indicators. It also gave an analysis by BOCU/OCU of good and poor performance; trends and areas of potential risks, and issues from recently published reports on police complaints by the IPCC.

82.2 Members asked about the increase in complaints and whether the Policing Pledge has impacted on this (as people now have expectations about level of service they should receive). Members also asked about the examples given in paragraphs 8-10 of the report around the PSSP Community Engagement Project, some members felt that these examples were quite limited and asked what had the impact been? How are they measured and are they reactive or proactive?

82.3 Members were reminded that a report had previously been presented to the Committee and had outlined the reasons behind the increase in complaints. Raising expectations through the Policing Pledge may have increased levels of some complaints; however, currently it was not clear if this was the case. It was added that community engagement tends to be reactive as it follows spikes in complaints and that there had been some recent successful work with the TSG around complaints. However, at this stage work was reactive but in a structured format.

Resolved – That the Committee current performance indicators as illustrated in the appendices to the report and areas of risk good practice and potential issues as outlined in the report be noted.

83. Directorate of Professional Standards Thematic Performance Report

(Agenda item 9)

83.1 Members considered a report that identified current and future strategic work for DPS, developing of working practices; DPS contribution to confidence agenda; performance issues; performance oversight mechanisms as well as final and resources systems and processes.

83.2 Members asked about the work of Specialist Investigations (SI) with IAGs and if there was any central collation of feedback from the IAGs?

83.3 It was reported that this work was not currently collated centrally, but agreed this would be worth looking at further.

83.4 There was some concern at the list of offences outlined in the report that had been committed by officers, most notably drugs, theft and sexual offences. Members asked how many of these offences there were and what resources were required to deal with them.

83.5 Members were informed that the offences outlined in the report represented a very small number of cases and anti-corruption officers do consider these cases. The Chairman added his reassurance that the number of cases were small and that he and MPA officers meet regularly with DPS and reviewed these cases.

Resolved – That the report be received.

84. Dip sampling of closed MPS complaints / misconduct cases

(Agenda item 10)

84.1 Members consider a report on dip sampling of closed MPS complaints and misconduct cases.

84.2 The Chief Executive in presenting the report commended a new draft protocol for dip sampling MPS closed complaints. She added that this represented a way to do work conscientiously and appropriately and added that cases would be are selected randomly and made available for member to see. Training would also be available for members from the IPCC.

84.3 The Chairman welcomed the report and the protocol and that the Authority was now in a better position to undertake this important function.

84.4 In response to members about how many cases other police Authority’s looked at, at one time, the Chief Executive drew member’s attention for need to practical about the amount of cases it is possible to look at alerted members to recommendation 3 cases recommended in the report.

84.5 Members asked for further details of the timescale for putting this work into practice and welcomed that three reports on professional standards to this Committee meeting was very encouraging, as was the news that the MPS Professional Standards Strategic Committee (PSSC) has been revised to raise the profile of professional standards and is now chaired by the Deputy Commissioner with Deputy Assistant Commissioner level representation. Members also welcomed that the IPCC has offered training.

84.6 Confirmation was given that the protocol would be presented to the next meeting of the Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee on Monday 7 December 2009 and if agreed would be operation by the begin in the New Year.

Resolved - That

1. the new draft protocol for dip sampling cases be agreed;
2. the progress which has been made in respect of the MPA’s dip sampling of closed complaints and misconduct cases be noted; and
3. a report on dip sampling of closed complaints and misconduct cases on a six monthly basis

85. Forfeiture of police pension (1 October 2008 October 2009)

(Agenda item 11)

85.1 A report was considered that presented the annual outcomes of forfeiture cases considered by the Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee.

85.2 The Chairman commented that he felt that it was useful to bring this report to members as work on this matter.

85.3 The Chief Executive confirmed that the MPS do have in place arrangements to display all police forfeiture cases on the intranet. She also added that that the Home Office sometimes refused cases put forward by the MPA/MPS.

Resolved - That the report be received.

86. Report on the sub committees of strategic and operational policing committee

(Agenda item 12)

86.1 Members received a report that contained a summary of the Sub-Committee of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee.

Resolved – That the report be received.

87. MPS intelligence systems and information sharing

(Agenda item 13)

87.1 Members received a report that outlined the MPS Directorate of Information’s role in plans (Improving Police Information – IPI) to deliver a more effective ‘person search’, allowing users to more quickly identify a person they may be investigating and on how to improve supporting officers in the decision making of sharing that information.

87.2 Members were informed that that the MPS has done a lot to improve intelligence systems over the last few years and that the amount of CRIMINT searches conducted each day in the MPS proves what an intelligence led organisation the MPS are. It was noted that work still in progress included information sharing (what and with who should information be shared with). Members noted that currently there was computer based training for MPS officers/staff around this and the development of the Improving Policing Information Programme (IPIP). The IPIP is moving towards a ‘golden nominal system’, which it was aiming to avoid duplication.

87.3 Members in noting the report asked a number of questions including:

• Who else outside of the MPS has the ability to search MPS systems?
• There were lots of local information sharing protocols and members asked if these had been approved centrally.
• Should the MPA be a signatory to a local agreements?
• Do Home Office proposals for MPS data access include CRIMINT, IIP etc?

87.4 Members were informed that access issues differs between different systems and that she would be happy to would be happy to provide further details to members outside the meeting.

87.5 In relation to information sharing, this has historically been part of a local initiative however, as part of MOPI, are now moving towards standard sharing protocols. Regarding the Home Office data hub, members were informed that it focuses on factual information/counts of crime etc, rather than intelligence. Following on from discussions at previous meetings, the MPS will not agree to any sharing of information with the Home Office without bringing it to the MPA in the first instance.

87.6 The Chief Executive stated that being signatory to data sharing protocols was not essential in every case.

87.7 The Chairman stated that he had seen IIP and CRIMINT PLUS while it was being developed and suggested that other members may like to go and look at how they works in practice.

88. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 14)

88.1 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.

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

Summary of exempt items

89. MPS intelligence systems and information sharing

(Agenda item 15)

89.1 Members considered an exempt appendix to agenda item 13.

90. Travel concession – review of travel benefit

(Agenda item 16)

90.1 Members considered a report on reviewing the travel concession benefit.

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