Minutes

Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 14 October 2010 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

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

MPA officers

• Bob Atkins (Treasurer)
• Siobhan Coldwell (Head of Policing Policy Scrutiny and Oversight)
• Jane Owen (Head of Policing Planning and Performance Improvement)

MPS officers

• Anne McMeel (Director of Resources)
• Maxine De Brunner (Area Commander, Territorial Policing)
• Richard Clarke (Director of Strategy and Improvement, Directorate of Resources)
• Mark Gore (Commander, Territorial Policing)
• Carl Bussey (OCU Commander, Territorial Policing)
• Gordon Briggs (OCU Commander, SCD5)
• Adrian Baxter (Directorate of Professional Standards)

37. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

37.1 No apologies for absence were received.

38. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

38.1 Toby Harris declared an interest in relation to item 14 as the Chair of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody.

39. Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 16 September 2010

(Agenda item 3)

39.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting, subject to noting that Members also raised concerns regarding responsibility for FOI requests under plans for police reform (at paragraph 27.3 of the minutes).

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee held on 16 September 2010 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

40. Urgent actions and urgent operational issues

(Agenda item 4)

40.1 The Chair introduced the latest iteration of the Policing London Business Plan. This was accepted as a late report due to administrative error at the MPA. The MPS noted that the Plan was being developed in the context of uncertainty, and that the corporate objectives were based upon broad assumptions around the CSR. They have been working closely with MPA Members and officers, and it will be seen at a forthcoming MPA BMG meeting and a Members briefing in November. The document will be more concise and will provide more narrative than in previous years in order to ensure accessibility.

40.2 Given that the document had been looked at fairly recently and that various iterations will come to SOPC in the coming months, the Chair asked for Members to provide any initial comments or observations to MPA officers via email.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

41. Headline Performance report

(Agenda item 5)

41.1 The MPS introduced a report detailing performance to date compared to the previous year. Performance across KPIs is generally positive. Gun crime has fallen by 12%, the sanction-detection rate is 27.2% - a 3.1% increase. Residential burglaries recorded have dropped by 9.4% on last year, although 174 more people have been charged. Sanction-detection for domestic violence is now on target (as is the arrest rate). Although robbery remains a concern, the rate of increase is slowing. Offences where knifes have been used to injure have dropped by 4.7%. Members were told that Olympic milestones were currently being reworked – and this will be reported on to the upcoming joint SOPC and F&RC meetings.

41.2 Members asked why the MPS would be producing a replacement for the Policing Pledge in light of the reasons for it being scrapped – e.g. creating additional bureaucracy. The MPS responded that they would not be producing a replacement but would retain aspects of the Pledge (e.g. concerning response times).

41.3 It was confirmed to Members that no direct correlation could be shown between reductions in burglary and the provision of resource for Operation Bumblebee – Kingston was not a Bumblebee borough and has seen significant reductions, for instance. Members requested the full list of boroughs included in Bumblebee. Despite cuts in resource, the ethos of Bumblebee will be retained, driven by area commanders.

41.4 The MPS assured Members that the reported overspend of £20.2 million (up from £18 million last month) moves from month to month - Period 5 is expected to show overspend of only £14.8 million. Members considered it unsatisfactory that no narrative on sex offences was provided within the report. The MPS agreed to supply more in future.

41.5 Members referred to figures which catalogued the reliability of performance data across OCUs, and asked what the MPS were doing to improve its accuracy. The MPS replied that this measure was not an exact science – it is calculated upon how crimes are originally recorded and whether categorization has been ‘reasonably changed’ during investigation. In areas of low crime, there is likely to be greater variation. Richard Clarke chairs a group (SCIRG), which is currently looking at the crime recording process as part of a broader review, although the MPS are keen to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy. MPA officers stressed that the BOCU reliability figures are newly developed, and Members may wish to ask questions around this in the future if certain boroughs are consistently underperforming.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

1. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING OPERATION BUMBLEBEE
Amanda Webster-Robbins

2. MORE NARRATIVE ON SEX OFFENCE FIGURES TO BE PROVIDED IN FUTURE HEADLINE PERFORMANCE REPORTS
MPS

42. London Transport Community Safety Strategy, And Safer Transport Command

(Agenda item 6 and item 7)

42.1 This strategy outlines cross-agency working between the three police forces operating in London, TfL, the GLA, and train operators. The aim of this project is to focus partnership work by identifying key priorities. This is a three year strategy which is due to be signed off by the TfL Management Board within the next few months.

42.2 Item 7 outlined the performance of the Safer Transport Command since it was formed in April 2010 from the merger of the Transport Operational Command Unit, Safer Transport Teams and Hub Teams. Its objective are to: reduce crime and the fear of crime on transport networks, to minimize delays, and enforce laws relating to private hire vehicles. Bus crime has been reduced to its lowest recorded level, showing an 8.1% decrease from the previous year. The greatest reductions have been seen in criminal damage and theft. Operation Safe Bus led to 284 arrests and 7000 stop and searches. A Cycle Taskforce of 30 staff has been set up.

42.3 Members expressed concerns that reducing taxi-touting was somewhat marginal within the Mayoral strategy. These taxis create significant nuisance for residents and unregulated drivers are more likely to commit sexual offences, particularly against vulnerable people. Some members expressed concern that operations against illegal cabs were not particularly effective. The MPS responded that cab-related crime is a Mayoral priority and that 60 staff now operated in that area, including a dedicated unit for sex offences. This work was making a difference – 100 arrests had been made in the previous year. Furthermore, Safer Transport Teams, in Vauxhall for instance, have prioritized taxi crime. However, it has been challenging to work within the limits of current legislation. The MPS assured Members that although the movement of people from crowded areas was important, their safety is always prioritized. As such, no tension exists between getting people out of London on Saturday nights and ridding the city of illegal cabs – they confirmed that operations do take place on busy nights. It was agreed that Members could observe officers performing these duties soon. They are also to receive a briefing note regarding the use of alternative forms of communication between black cab drivers and police – including Twitter.

42.4 Members welcomed the unit’s work on dangerous driving – highlighting this as an important issue. The MPS informed Members that 174 fatal accidents had occurred in the last year. The behaviour of all road users – including cyclists - must be balanced.

42.5 Members asked how the initiatives listed in the report were being funded. The MPS responded that funding for ten officers had been agreed by TfL and that other sources were being considered – for instance EU funding. The MPS addressed concerns that the initiatives were somewhat unrealistic and the stated goals unattainable, noting that previously work had increased levels of confidence and changed behaviours.

42.6 With regard the Mayoral strategy, Members requested more information regarding the ‘Fusion Centre’. The MPS responded that the primary purpose of the Centre would be as an intelligence hub for transport related crime, to develop a joint intelligence product that could be used by BTP, TfL and the MPS to enhance operational activity. This project is up and running on BTP premises. The MPS hope to establish Strategic Transport Hubs locations across London, which will include Victoria, Finsbury Park and Stratford – with the intention of co-locating resources with BTP to provide a more effective and collaborative approach to the policing of transport hubs. Members asked what technologies were available to officers within these hubs, and do they enable officers to access shared CCTV services, for instance. The Fusion Centre currently consists of three officers, one from each organisation, and generates a weekly intelligence product to assist staff across the organisations.

42.7 The strategy refers to visible policing on page 33 of the document (75 of the agenda). Members expressed concern regarding the reluctance of staff to wear uniforms outside of work hours. The MPS responded that the requirement to engage is paramount – as opposed to simple visibility. They noted that police officers do use the bus service, that they show their warrant cards upon boarding, and that they would intervene in an incident. Furthermore, transport teams reinforce the police presence across the transport network. Members reiterated that the report places value on visibility – and that wearing uniform is an important aspect of this. Members asked about the relationship between STC and the Traffic OCU within Central Operations. The MPS confirmed that they worked closely and had some combined units. They share intelligence and are looking to share fleets. The Traffic OCU duties are considered to be core policing, whereas the STC is not. STC also receives significant funding from TfL.

Resolved – That

1. the report regarding the STC be noted
2. the Mayoral strategy be supported, subject to the tackling of illegal hire vehicles being given greater priority.

3. MEMBERS TO OBSERVE STC IN ILLEGAL CAB OPERATIONS
MPA
4. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE A BRIEFING NOTE REGARDING THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BLACK CAB DRIVERS AND POLICE – INCLUDING TWITTER
MPS

43. Child protection update and overview

(Agenda item 8)

43.1 The MPS introduced this report that primarily provided an overview of progress following the Laming Review into the death of Baby Peter. They reported that a one-day training course had been established, for instance. With regard recommendation 25 (paragraph 12 of the report), they reported that this remains an aspiration although most of the learning from the HMIC report had been incorporated. SCD5 has achieved a sanction-detection rate of 25%, with 21% the lowest borough rate. They commented that they work in partnership through the London Safeguarding Children Board, on an ad-hoc basis with experts regarding specific issues, and with Professor Munroe. SCD1 and 2 have been realigned to allow better joint-working.

43.2 Members expressed concern regarding Haringey’s low sanction-detection rate. They sought clarity on the activity of health and social services in order to promote this. The MPS responded that a number of unreported referrals were recently found by Haringey social services, and that given the lateness of these referrals, prosecution has been difficult. SCD5 will report back in a year’s time and expect that that the sanction-detection rate will be in line with performance targets. The MPS confirmed that moving beyond sanction-detection a new set of KPIs was being developed by Jim Gamble (ACPO). They also reported that MACIE training had been delivered in all boroughs and feedback received had been positive. An analysis of this feedback will be collated and fed into the Munroe review. They stressed, however, that the number of attendees is small in relation to how many work in each agency – and the specific benefits are not quantitatively identifiable.

43.3 A pilot in Haringey brings together the MPS and other agencies in a Safeguarding Hub. This co-location enables police to ‘filter’ information received following Every Child Matters. Members requested that the MPS report back on the costs and benefits of co-location, and work done on its potential roll-out further afield. They confirmed that although supervisors were still carrying their own caseloads, these had been vastly reduced by the brigading of CAITs. Members expressed concern that despite an increase of 19% in reported child rape cases, only 8% have been recorded as criminal. Porous boundaries between SCD5 and 2 explain this discrepancy to a degree.

43.4 Members noted that the report referred to the requirement for clarity in communication in correctly assessing risk and asked for further information. The MPS responded that all PCSOs complete a course on communication, which covers making contact with child services, and the appropriate escalation process. They noted that not only faith schools but mother-tongue and other ‘supplementary schools’ were being monitored in partnership with Safer Neighbourhood Teams and SO15.

43.5 With regard to whether there should be an inquest into the death of Baby Peter, the MPS argued that there had already been a raft of intrusive inspection, a joint-agency review and an HMIC inspection – and that these should be deemed sufficient. The issues have been recognised and learning incorporated. They suggested that the ‘blame culture’ cultivated had disincentivized people from joining social services.

43.6 Members agreed to receive a detailed briefing regarding Project Violet – MPS working with faith communities in relation to child abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession – after raising concerns that services relating to spirit possession are freely available across London.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

5. SCD5 TO REPORT BACK TO SOPC IN A YEARS TIME
MPA/MPS
6. MPS TO PROVIDE A BRIEFING NOTE TO MEMBERS ON THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF CO-LOCATION, AND WORK DONE ON ITS POTENTIAL ROLL-OUT FURTHER AFIELD
MPS
7. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING PROJECT VIOLET
MPS

44. Update on the Anti Violence Strategy

(Agenda item 9)

44.1 This report provided an update on progress since July 2010 (when SOPC first saw it). The strategy was signed off by the existing MPS Anti Violence Board, co-chaired by AC McPherson and AC Dick, in August. The objective of establishing the new board is to encourage better partnership working. The delivery plan is premised around the RIPE model – with ACPO leads with responsibility for: reassurance, intelligence, prevention, and enforcement – and the VOLT – victim offender location – framework will be deployed (aligning resource to demand). MIB have been looking at how to capture repeat victimization more effectively, although the MPS can only do so much alone.

44.2 Members asked how the Board would fit into other structures and whether it may be superfluous. The relationship between the new AVB and the LCRB is also being discussed. The Board will look at best practise for data-sharing with key agencies – Hackney and Haringey have been identified as boroughs with advanced data-sharing relationships - and definitions of violence which may be utilised - the WHO definition is proposed. The MPS concluded that it may be decided that the Board is not required, but that protocol for data-sharing is to be established instead, and that duplication must and will be avoided. Members noted that their understanding was that LCRB would be established first and will feed down into other boards.

44.3 Members asked about the timescales of delivery for each element of the strategy. The MPS noted that the first element of the work would be to collate intelligence on violence and create a simple forum for policy creation in relation to it. They noted that the proliferation of strategies for different types of crime was unhelpful, and that the VOLT framework should instead be deployed. Shifting to VOLT involved a lot of work with Borough Commanders and borough intelligence units, and high level support should assist in changing the culture within local units.

44.4 Members expressed concern that the VOLT framework would be dependent upon accurate and full crime reporting. The MPS responded that the definition of violence used is key to how accurate a picture officers will get. Furthermore, by involving partners – e.g. health professionals – a boarder picture of violence should be produced. This will address underreporting to a degree. Members remained apprehensive, particularly with regard to early-years intervention – which is underfunded as the benefits are not immediate and cannot be measured to targets.

44.5 Members agreed to endorse the strategy but asked that the MPS continue to feed information to the MPA and that they bring another report on progress in the future.

Resolved – That

1. the report be noted
2. the strategy be endorsed

45. Home Office Data Hub update

(Agenda item 10)

45.1 Members agreed to note the report without discussion.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

46. Reports from Sub-committees

(Agenda item 11)

46.1 Members agreed to note the report without discussion.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

A summary or items considered after the exclusion of the press and public

47. Minutes (Part 2) of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 16 September 2010

(Agenda item 13)

47.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting.

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee held on 16 September 2010 (part 2) were agreed and signed as a correct record.

48. A request for funding for legal representation at an Inquest

(Agenda item 14)

Resolved - That funding to the stated level be agreed.

49. A request for funding to settle a civil case

(Agenda item 15)

Resolved - That funding to the stated level be agreed.

Meeting closed - 3.50 pm

Summary of action items, (status if known)

1. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING OPERATION BUMBLEBEE (Ongoing)
2. MORE NARRATIVE ON SEX OFFENCE FIGURES TO BE PROVIDED IN FUTURE HEADLINE PERFORMANCE REPORTS (Ongoing)
3. MEMBERS TO OBSERVE SAFER TRANSPORT COMMAND CONDUCTING ILLEGAL CAB OPERATIONS. (Detail to be provided by STC in due course)
4. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE A BRIEFING NOTE REGARDING THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BLACK CAB DRIVERS AND POLICE – INCLUDING TWITTER. (Ongoing)
5. SCD5 TO REPORT BACK TO SOPC IN A YEARS TIME. (In SOPC work plans)
6. MPS TO PROVIDE A BRIEFING NOTE TO MEMBERS ON THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF CO-LOCATION, AND WORK DONE ON ITS POTENTIAL ROLL-OUT FURTHER AFIELD. (Ongoing)
7. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING PROJECT VIOLET. (Lunch-time briefing to be arranged for early 2011)

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