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 16 September 2010 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (Chairman)
• Toby Harris (Vice Chair)
• Chris Boothman
• Jennette Arnold
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Valerie Brasse
• Cindy Butts

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Jane Harwood (Deputy Chief Executive)
• Bob Atkins (Treasurer)
• Siobhan Coldwell (Head of Policing Policy Scrutiny and Oversight)
• Hamera Asfa Davey (Oversight and Review Officer)
• Helen Sargeant (Solicitor)
• Kalyannee Mendlesohn (Professional Standards Officer)

MPS officers

• Chris Allison (Assistant Commissioner, CO)
• Anne McMeel (Director of Resources)
• Lynne Owens (Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Territorial Policing)
• Richard Clarke (Director of Strategy and Improvement, Directorate of Resources)
• Adrian Baxter (Directorate of Professional Standards)
• Trevor Hughes (Inspector, Status Dogs Unit)
• Allan Gibson (Commander, SCD)
• Nick Sumner (DCI, SCD9)

18. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

18.1 Apologies were received from Jenny Jones and Tony Arbour.

19. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

19.1 Jennette Arnold declared an interest, regarding item 13, as the MPA representative on the Pan-London Migration Board.

20. Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 1 July 2010

(Agenda item 3)

20.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting.

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee held on 1 July 2010 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

21. Urgent actions an urgent operational issues

(Agenda item 4)

21.1 The Chair agreed to receive a request to modify the MPA terms of reference as urgent under the provisions of Section 100B 4b of the Local Government Act 1972. The report asked that Members recommend to the Full Authority that it agrees the following changes to the terms of reference of the Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee:

21.2 To delete paragraph 5 and add as a header “Business Interests” and add 5.1 “To exercise the Authority’s functions in relation to business interests, including applications and requests for reconsideration from senior officers, and appeals from officers.

21.3 Add a new paragraph 6 “Dip Sampling” and insert “to exercise the functions of the Authority in relation to reviewing the quality assurance processes of the MPS complaint and conduct process in relation to officers, including all matters around dip sampling of MPS closed complaint and conduct files.”

21.4 Members agreed the recommendations.

Resolved – That the Committee recommends the abovementioned changes to the next meeting of the Full Authority.

22. Summary of reports from sub-committees of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee

(Agenda item 5)

22.1 Members noted the report without raising further questions.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

23. MPS response to Woodhams

(Agenda item 6)

23.1 This report provided an overview of measures taken and actions implemented by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in line with organisational learning arising from the death of the late Mr Peter Woodhams and inquiries that followed thereafter.

23.2 The Chair introduced this discussion, stating that Mr Woodhams had attended a meeting of the Full Authority roughly two years ago and that he has a standing invitation to attend MPA meetings. The Chair had met with Mr Woodhams prior to this meeting of SOPC, within which they spoke about the two officers disciplined and agreed that most important is that the MPS learn from the case.

23.3 Mr Woodhams thanked the Committee for receiving this report, and recognised that although the family is disappointed that no further action will be taken with regard the officers in question, that a line must be drawn under the issue. His paramount concern was that budget constraints may affect the ongoing implementation of procedures in place to reduce the likelihood of other families suffering through similar error.

23.4 DAC Owens again apologised to Mr Woodhams on behalf of the MPS and reaffirmed that if he would like to visit officers Newham, which she would facilitate. She reported that the failure of supervision was being addressed by both the IPCC and improved internal processes. With regard financial tightening, the safety of citizens shall remain the primary concern of the MPS. She offered that Mr Woodhams could phone her office as a single point of contact within the MPS if he wishes to raise any further concerns.

23.5 Members asked a number of further questions. The MPS confirmed that a ‘withdrawal statement’ is a victim-led process – officers will take victim statements, and may not seek prosecution in cases where victims are unwilling to give evidence (although they can proceed with ‘victim less’ prosecutions if there is other independent evidence. This requires CPS support.

23.6 The MPS told Members that these processes have been incorporated not only in Newham but in every borough – including a new performance product measuring most serious offences, which is looked at weekly centrally, and daily by Borough Commanders. Members asked what they could do in order to ensure implementation, and to hold Borough Commanders accountable in this regard. The Chair responded that Met Forward was currently being refreshed and that this element of BOCU monitoring should be incorporated – potentially at monthly link member meetings.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

1. Performance product monitored by BOCU Commanders, to be incorporated into Met Forward refresh.
   Thomas Foot/ Susan Doran

24. Headline performance report

(Agenda item 7)

24.1 The MPS introduced the report, mentioning that proposed KPIs will be presented to the joint meeting of SOPC and F&RC on 23 September. Performance remains high across indicators. Confidence stands at a high, although this measure has now been discontinued by the Home Secretary. Fewer crimes involving guns have been recorded, and fewer homes have been burgled. Challenges that remain include knife enabled robbery – due in part to a broad definition including where knifes are ‘perceived to be seen’.

24.2 Members contested claims that demographics may significantly account for lower rates of BME satisfaction. Contrary to what is reported, some communities are ‘aging’. The MPS advised that this survey relates to only those members of the community that are victims and whilst the general population may be aging it is disproportionalily the young who are victims.

24.3 Members questioned the effectiveness of Operation Blunt 2, in light of the fact that knife enabled robbery now accounted for one fifth of all robbery. Further to this, Members questioned which tools other than stop and search were available to the police. The MPS responded that robbery was down year on year, and that Blunt 2 encompassed other elements including new forensic techniques, prevention work, community engagement, house to house, and changed response team procedure. However, it was agreed that CCTV could be better harnessed to improve service. Whilst the MPS can do their bit, the carriage of knives is a societal issue.

24.4 With regard paragraph 11 of the report, Members asked what activity to establish a confidence indicator was on-going, and whether budgetary pressures may impact its development. The MPS confirmed that confidence would be measured by responses to one question in an attitudes survey: ‘do the police do a good job’. With regard the possible impacts of budgetary pressure, the MPS assured Members that they were involved in negotiation with partners considering withdrawing financial support for PCSOs, for instance. The MPS echoed Members’ concerns regarding partnership withdrawal, but stated that any confidence measure should be police specific. A better picture of withdrawal will be available within the next six months. A briefing note regarding this area of work will be sent to Members.

24.5 The MPS confirmed that two new indicators regarding black and ethnic minority officers had been established – retention and progression. These are reported to CEP. Members asked to see these figures – a five year overview of recruitment and progression including rank and directorate. Members expressed deep concern regarding the staffing profile of the Olympics command team. The MPS responded that the Olympics recruitment is on-going, and questions are being asked within the MPS. A scoping paper will be with Chris Allison shortly. Chris Allison noted that the unit will be composed of 250 roles, and currently many top level ones are yet to be filled. This command must be both representative and capable.

24.6 Members questioned why KPIs relating to the Olympics were to be modified. The MPS responded that the KPIs should be changed to reflect the fact that projects may be ‘off-track’ due to something outside of MPS control. The quarterly monitoring report to the Olympics Sub Committee will include performance against updated KPIs. The Sub Committee Chair has expressed support for these updated KPIs.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

2. Members to receive a briefing regarding partner funding of PCSOS – current levels and potential withdrawal.
   Amanda Webster-Robbins
3. Members to receive five year figures of retention and progression of BME officers – including rank and directorate.
   Amanda Webster-Robbins

25. Update on dangerous dogs

(Agenda item 8)

25.1 Trevor Hughes introduced the report which outlined work since the inception of the unit in March 2009. There is an upward trend in terms of numbers of dogs seized, and this is likely to continue. The unit works to influence partners regarding legislative change and CPS practice.

25.2 Members asked whether the Mayor’s Dangerous Dogs Forum had been disbanded, and whether this was a useful tool for the MPS to impact of councils and other partners. Furthermore, it was asked whether the MPS had an update regarding any potential legislative change. The MPS replied that the Forum was not disbanded but that it had fallen by the wayside given that its goals had been broadly achieved – although it may be meeting towards the end of this month.. It was the opinion of the officer that the emphasis of partnership change should be changed to include groups such as Battersea Dogs and Cat Home – in order to identify areas of particular vulnerability, for instance. A submission had been made to DEFRA, although more senior officers were involved in petitioning for legislation.

25.3 Members requested to know the number of officers within the Status Dogs Unit and the Dogs Support Unit. Mr Hughes responded that the former was composed of him, one sergeant, five constables, and two police staff. The latter is composed of 160 personnel. The work of this larger unit encompasses guide dogs.

25.4 It was asked whether Appendix 1 better reflects the areas where policing is focused than the areas within which dogs were a particular issue. The MPS confirmed that the number of seizures would reflect where officers were, although they prioritize boroughs within which dogs have been identified – by Battersea Dogs Home, the RSPCA, and the GLA – as a problem. The unit works 24/7, responding to calls – which are logged on CAD.

25.5 The MPS contended that while dedicated courts were an option, there use would make victim protection more complex. Criminal justice partners and others were being worked with, and educated to ensure speedier sentencing. This point was reaffirmed in the context of staffing pressures. Although the demand for the work of the unit was great, it can be alleviated by educating partners – and is subject to fluctuation. Boroughs have identified a designated person to link with local authorities, and 160 safety support officers have been trained using the MPS dangerous dogs DVD.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

26. MPS response to the abolition of the policing pledge

(Agenda item 9)

26.1 This report was written in response to the Home Secretary’s announcement that the confidence measure would be discontinued. The MPS noted that ACPO perceived the policing pledge to include some perverse incentives from its inception and that it made data collection very expensive (using EPIC to collect number of hours Safer Neighbourhood officers patrolled, for instance). Lynne Owens is chairing the MPS confidence and satisfaction board. That board is considering how a suite of measures can be developed that supports both confidence and satisfaction outcomes.

26.2 The Chair welcomed the report but cautioned that a more concrete response – regarding the delivery of a quality service - would be necessary to reassure Members. Members agreed that people understood indicators such as the 12 minute response time, and that they needed to know what would replace these. The MPS agreed that a quality standard would be articulated and that response times would likely be included. They offered a further example of poor incentives, of the current regime.

Resolved – That the response be endorsed.

4. MPS to provide a report to the November meeting of SOPC updating members on the development of a replacement.
   Amanda Webster-Robbins

27. MPA response to the Home Office consultation paper on police reform

(Agenda item 10)

27.1 The Chief Executive of the MPA introduced this report, highlighting that although it has been difficult to reflect the views of all Members within the document, broad consensus had been met on most issues – over an eight week course of consultation. Where this had not been possible the qualification ‘it is for consideration’ had been added. The MPA had now received a copy of the London Assembly/Mayoral response, and it was proposed that wording within the MPA submission would be amended to reflect that. She concluded that the final draft will be submitted to the Home Office on 20 September 2010 subject to the caveat that it is to be ratified at Full Authority later in the month. She reminded Members that as the Bill is debated more opportunities will be available to affect the legislative outcome.

27.2 Members debated the length of the submission - the GLA response is very concise. However, the MPA response addresses all areas of the reform, not just the powers of the new scrutiny panel. Some Members expressed reservations about cutting the document back. Furthermore, the two documents should not be conflicting as Kit Malthouse will be approving both (the capacity within which he does so may also be relevant).

27.3 A Member asked that the document be clarified to reflect the fact that in London to say that ex-police officers could not stand as PCC would disqualify a whole section of the public from becoming Mayor of London also. MPA officers agreed that the suggestion was not appropriate in the London context, and would therefore be removed in the response. Furthermore, it was requested that statements regarding the abolishment of the NPIA and the capacity of the MPS to provide ICT procurement services nationally, be clarified.

27.4 A member raised concerns that the report read as though the MPA began with the development of Met Forward. MPA officers agreed to clarify this section. It was also highlighted that Members were unsatisfied by the level of attention given by the Home Office consultation document to diversity and equalities issues in London. MPA officers agreed to reflect this within the response.

27.5 MPA officers agreed to include a paragraph that was being prepared by the Standards Committee, and to reflect concerns that if the Mayor is not going to fulfil the role of PCC that there should be a separate democratic process for the election of the PCC.

27.6 It was noted that the MPA should seek to be represented at the Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry.

Resolved – That

1. the submission be amended to reflect the comments made.
2. a final draft be received at a meeting of the Full Authority on 30 September 2010.

5. Submission to be amended
   Sarah Easey

28. MPA equality objective

(Agenda item 11)

28.1 Members were asked to endorse the objective at paragraph 4, to be delivered within the next year.

Resolved – That the committee objective be adopted.

29. Safer Neighbourhoods Scrutiny: Terms of Reference

(Agenda item 12)

29.1 Hamera Asfa Davey introduced the report, noting that iterations of the terms of reference had been distributed to all SOP members and consulted on comprehensively. The scope is tight – this is in order that it can usefully inform the TP development process. A report will be drafted by January but headline findings shall be shared with TP as the scrutiny progresses.

29.2 Members questioned whether the MPS recognised the value of this work – particularly in light of the presentation of the TP development report, including projected models, later during this meeting. MPA officers responded that Nina Cope is meeting with MPA senior management next week regarding the work and that ongoing conversation will ensure its value. Members expressed concern that findings would likely be inconclusive as many like the current model. Furthermore, the HMIC have agreed that it works effectively.

29.3 Concern was expressed regarding the sharing of headline findings prior to the completion of analysis; the lack of reference to public confidence in section one; the reference to sergeants but not supervisory structures more broadly in section two; and the lack of reference to information channels in section three. Ultimately, some argued that the ‘exclusion’ of some elements would likely be somewhat artificial. MPA officers assured members that the structure of ward panels and methods of community engagement would likely come up, but that structure was identified during the scoping study as an area of specific interest and that any structural changes must be factored in prior to discussion regarding panel membership. Caroline Pidgeon requested that the minutes make note of her concerns about the relevance of this project in light of the TP development programme.

Resolved – That

1. the report be noted.
2. the draft terms of reference be agreed.

6. TOR to be amended
   Hamera Asfa Davey

30. MPS and UK Borders Agency joint working arrangements

(Agenda item 13)

30.1 Allan Gibson introduced the report, stating that SCD9 was the engine by which the MPS engaged with UKBA regarding human trafficking and immigration crime. Operation Swale is a major collaboration, with UKBA paying for a number of MPS officers to work to their tasking – in relation to organized crime. Operation Maxim has been operational since 2003, and is now entirely funded by the MPS (previously Home Office funded). UKBA have recently declared that funding for Swale will be cut by at least 20%. Officers displaced will not be absorbed by SCD9.

30.2 Members requested that the MPS provide a breakdown of resources and time spent to date over the five key areas of criminality highlighted within the report. The Pan-London Migration Board was a Mayoral initiative and includes senior UKBA staff. It was proposed that a member of SCD9 sit on this board. The MPS agreed to discuss this with Jennette Arnold and MPA officers following the meeting.

30.3 Members agreed that withdrawal of teams in Hackney and Westminster, for instance, made sense when regard is given to volumes of immigration crime. However, they sought to know whether this work would be picked up by the MPS via other means. The MPS answered that it was the responsibility of UKBA to pick this work up in terms of a dedicated resource. With regard community initiatives, it was confirmed to the committee that many went ahead, not only those detailed (Chinatown) - operations involving Romanian government and police agents, for instance.

30.4 Members asked questions around the number of officers involved in Operation Swale in Immigration Crime Teams (ICTs), Local Crime Teams (LCTs) and the Harm Focus Team (intelligence cell). The MPS confirmed that the intelligence cell will be unaffected by the cuts, but ICTs and LCTs are likely to face a reduction of 11 officers – from the 70 currently employed in Operation Swale. Members asked to receive a more detailed breakdown of how costs have been met and will be met, and current and projected numbers of staff in each area of Swale. The MPS agreed to provide this following consultation with UKBA. A briefing regarding potential income generation relating to the Westminster Partnership shall also be provided.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

7. Meeting between Nick Sumner and Jennette Arnold
   Shirani Gunawardena
8. Members to receive a briefing regarding how costs have and will be met, and current and projected numbers of staff in each area of SWALE
   Amanda Webster-Robbins
9. Members to receive a breakdown of resources and the time spent policing five key areas of criminality
   Amanda Webster-Robbins
10. Members to receive a briefing regarding potential income generation relating to the Westminster Partnership.
    Amanda Webster-Robbins

31. TP development programme (Part 1)

(Agenda item 14)

31.1 This report provided an overview of the proposed changes which are currently being scoped as part of the TP Development Programme. This report follows a presentation from the Commissioner to the MPA Business Management Group and an oral briefing given by AC McPherson to all Members at the end of July 2010. A number of suggestions and proposals have gone to the Management Board, and pending approval, these shall be developed into business cases – for MPA approval.

31.2 Members raised concerns regarding the equalities impact of the proposed changes. The EIA does not pick up on issues regarding the removal of front counters (BME users use this form of interaction with the Service more frequently than others), for instance. The MPS responded that each work stream business case will have its own EIA; and that the work being undertaken is far broader than just closing front counters – new avenues of access are being explored. With regard custody suites, the MPA Estates Panel is involved. The MPS contended that a number of suites were poorly located (e.g there were too few in the east).

31.3 Members asked that indications as to savings arising from each business case be detailed on the reports received by the MPA, and noted that link members require regular information regarding the withdrawal of third party funding within their boroughs. The MPS agreed that the business cases will incorporate savings and opportunity costs, and that Borough Commanders have been asked to engage with link members as soon as funding withdrawals are being considered. The MPS affirmed that much of this work was geared toward increasing satisfaction (although not at the expense of crime reduction).

Resolved - That the report be noted.

32. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 15)

32.1 Members agreed to exclude press and public.

Summary of exempt items

33. TP development programme (Part 2)

(Agenda item 16)

33.1 Members discussed exempt material relating to agenda item 14. The report provided further detail regarding the options for change that are being considered.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

34. Exempt minutes of the meeting held on 10 June 2010

(Agenda item 17)

34.1 Members agreed the minutes of the above meeting.

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee (Part 2) held on 1 July 2010 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

35. Request for funding of legal representation

(Agenda item 18)

35.1 Members approved the funding of separate legal costs subject to conditions being met.

Resolved – That payment was agreed.

36. Application to register a business interest

(Agenda item 19)

36.1 Members approved the business interest as compatible with membership of the MPS subject to conditions being met.

Resolved – That the business interest be approved.

The meeting ended at 5.00 pm.

Summary of Action items: and status if known.

1. Performance product monitored by BOCU Commanders, to be incorporated into Met Forward refresh
   Ongoing
2. Members to receive a briefing regarding partner funding of PCSOS – current levels and potential withdrawal
   To be drafted in December/January (following CSR)
3. Members to receive five year figures of retention and progression of BME officers – including rank and directorate.
   Ongoing
4. MPS to provide a report to the November meeting of SOPC updating members on the development of a replacement
   Report now going to CEPC on 4 Nov 2010
5. Submission to be amended
   Complete
6. TOR to be amended
   Complete
7. Meeting between Nick Sumner and Jennette Arnold
   Being arranged by MPA officers
8. Members to receive a briefing regarding how costs have and will be met, and current and projected numbers of staff in each area of SWALE
   To be incorporated into the SCD9 update report at SOPC on 9 Dec 2010
9. Members to receive a breakdown of resources and the time spent policing five key areas of criminality
   To be incorporated into the SCD9 update report at SOPC on 9 Dec 2010
10. Members to receive a briefing regarding potential income generation relating to the Westminster Partnership.
    Ongoing

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