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 9 December 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
• Graham Speed
• Valerie Brasse

MPA officers

• Bob Atkins (Treasurer)
• Jane Harwood (Deputy Chief Executive)
• 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)
• Cressida Dick
• Steve Rodhouse
• Anne McMeel (Director of Resources)
• Richard Clarke (Director of Strategy and Improvement)
• Nick Rogers (Director of Financial Services)
• David Ainscough (Lead, Operation Jigsaw)
• Ann Simpson (Lead, Operation Compass)

64. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

64.1 No apologies were received.

65. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

65.1 No interests were declared.

66. Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 11 November 2010

(Agenda item 3)

66.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting.

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee held on 11 November 2010 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

67. Urgent actions and urgent operational issues - oral report

(Agenda item 4)

67.1 None.

68. Report from the Sub-committees

(Agenda item 5)

68.1 Members noted the report without further comment.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

69. Update report from SCD2

(Agenda item 6)

69.1 The MPS introduced a report into the first 12 months of SCD2 (Sapphire). A comprehensive review of practice within SCD led to the creation of this unit and the Service feels that real improvement has been seen. The presenting officer invited questions from Members.

69.2 Members asked that the SOPC receive an overview of findings from the forthcoming rape research upon their release. They noted the achievement of the MPS, citing that victim satisfaction had risen to 70%. Members asked what risk assessment was conducted around older cases recorded as ‘no crime’ given potential confidence issues that could emerge if/when such cases go to trial, how variation in sanction-detection rates across boroughs was managed, and whether SCD2 underwent a bimonthly assessment similar to SCD5. They noted that they remain uncomfortable with Stranger 1 and Stranger 2 targets pursued whilst no target for intimate relationship rape is in place – and difficulties around form 124D. There are, however, targets relating to increased reporting, no-crime rates, attrition, detection, and victim satisfaction. Given that black youth on black youth rape is disproportionately common, they enquired as to joint working with Operation Trident.

69.3 The MPS responded that they were largely on top of past cases recorded as ‘no crime’, although these do remain a concern. SCD2 have been reviewing the closure reports of previous investigations to see that all was done correctly. This process has been concentrated on Stranger 1 and Stranger 2 as yet, although they agree that cases in all categories may pose a danger of re-emerging as costly and embarrassing law suits.

69.4 With regard sanction detection rates, the MPS noted that they had strived to broaden measurement to include attrition and victim satisfaction. Often sanction-detection is a result of victim choice, and can therefore be a distorting figure. Members agreed that the inclusion of victim satisfaction measurements was an encouraging step, although they noted that sexual crime was on the rise and that more debate was required as to why and how best to deal with this.

69.5 With regard to disproportionality – particularly in multi-perpetrator sexual crime - the MPS acknowledged this as a problem. They noted that a community engagement plan was in place, but that no easy answer exists. The unit has set up and is working with a community engagement reference group to lead this activity. The CPS has been working to increase specialisation in courts – as the way of thinking around obtaining and securing evidence in sexual crime cases is different. Each quadrant of London now has dedicated rape crisis centres, which are joint funded by local authorities and businesses, and have received Mayoral support.

69.6 Members acknowledged such joint working but affirmed that police such engage NGOs such as MissDorothy.com and the Victoria Climbie group, noting the importance of communication and language used in relation to sex offences. They asked whether the figures for victim satisfaction could be compared with any pre-Sapphire data, and what communication training is received by officers. Members highlighted that police were in a tight spot in relation to some forms of sexual offending – given that the problem is societal and requires preventative work and that many offenders manipulate the situation in a way that enables them to argue that the sex acts are consensual.

69.7 The MPS agreed that many of these crimes are cultural in nature, and are about relationships and power. They affirmed their commitment to being an articulate partner and noted that SOIT officers work closely with victims to offer support to prepare victims for often very difficult legal proceedings – the CPS also specialize to make the process less confounding. They also responded that victim satisfaction was not previously measured. They agreed to provide a list of groups with which SCD2 work in partnership.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

1. MPS TO REPORT TO SOPC WHEN FINDINGS OF RAPE RESEARCH ARE CONCLUDED. Amanda Webster-Robbins
2. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE BREAKDOWN OF GROUPS WITH WHICH SAPPHIRE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP. Amanda Webster-Robbins

70. Headline Performance report

(Agenda item 7)

70.1 The MPS introduced a report that outlined performance up to October 2010 against key measures. They told Members that confidence in the MPS, as measured by the British Crime Survey, was third best amongst the countries police forces. The proceeding period had seen fewer crimes of violence, burglaries, and firearms discharges. However, robbery continues to be a problem (4.1% up). Although knife crime is up, instances were a knife has been used to injure are down. Operations Blunt 2 and Trident are ongoing.

70.2 A member expressed concern that the term ‘accident’ was used in relation to those killed on the roads (paragraph 57 of the report) as there is often a reason for the collision resulting in death. Whilst commending police action taken on cyclists using bus-lanes, they noted that road-users should be dealt with in equal measure – e.g. more enforcement work in relation to drivers advancing after a red light. Members asked that the MPS report back on how numbers of drivers disqualified during this period compared to previous periods, and what is included in this measure – e.g. failure to disclose ownership (therefore reflecting greater dishonesty not bad driving).

70.3 The MPS replied that it is their intention to balance the education of all road-users, and that they took the point in relation to language used in the report. They also noted challenges in some areas, particularly in Waltham Forest.

Resolved - That the report be noted.

3. MPS TO INFORM MEMBERS OF HOW NUMBERS OF DRIVERS DISQUALIFIED DURING THIS PERIOD COMPARED TO PREVIOUS PERIODS, AND WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS MEASURE – E.G. FAILURE TO DISCLOSE OWNERSHIP. Amanda Webster-Robbins

71. SCD quarterly report

(Agenda item 8)

71.1 The MPS introduced this report, apologising for any confusion caused by the stated title – this report measures performance against two objectives in the Policing London Plan. Members asked what success of Operation Azure would look like, how the education sector is utilised to drive compliance (paragraph 15), how the MPS were feeding into the Munro Review of child protection, whether CRAM had had time to bed in, and what future staffing provision will likely be in SCD.

71.2 The MPS responded that they had drafted a paper on Project Azure and would ensure that this is distributed to all Members. They then noted that prevention work in education was on-going (and picked up in the renewed drive on anti-violence), although the MPS are unconvinced that provision is coordinated (and consistent) across the sector, despite this being feed into curriculums. Evaluation has been done through Project Oracle and oversight sits with the Anti-Violence Board. The MPS agreed to distribute submissions to the Munro Review to Members. They informed Members that CRAM concerned confidence and risk assessment, although the Service feels that it remains overly bureaucratic. Finally, they noted that recruitment to SCD2 has been on-going - which is a promising sign in terms of the forthcoming budget settlement - although it is impossible to say that any area of SCD will be ring-fenced.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

4. CIRCULATE BRIEFING ON AZURE TO ALL MEMBERS MPS/MPA
5. CIRCULATE MPS MUNRO REVIEW SUBMISSIONS TO SOP MEMBERS MPS/MPA

72. SCD9 performance report

(Agenda item 9)

72.1 The MPS noted that SCD9 was considered a unit of excellence in many areas e.g. human trafficking, organised crime and obscene images. They work with 42 NGOs. Members commended SCD9 for its work, particularly around human trafficking and forced labour, noting that any staff reductions within these small units would disproportionately effect the capabilities of the Service.

72.2 Members highlighted the notable work of the small Clubs Unit – which has the necessary expertise to close down establishments there and then - and the diverse use of Special Constables by SCD9. They also asked about the impact of the new EU directive on human trafficking and the support given to officers working in these stressful areas.

72.3 The MPS responded that officers in the Abusive Images Unit are assessed regularly and are closely managed. Given the diversity of material to which they are exposed, the different sensitivities of officers can often be taken into consideration. The unit has one of the lowest rates of sickness within the Service. With regard the directive, it was noted that the UK is yet to sign up to it although the MPS are already compliant as far as they can tell (e.g. assisting victims back to their country of origin if requested). They informed Members that the command is make up of approximately 220 officers – 39 in forced prostitution, 20 in clubs, 6 in Operation Caiman, 12 in Abusive Images, 3 in casinos, 24 in Operation Maxim and 63 in Operation Swale (after UKBA cuts).

72.4 92 brothels have been targeted in operations and 69 men arrested. No women have been removed for trafficking or controlling. Policy is no longer to repatriate women in prostitution to their home countries without a full assessment of their situation. Research into this area was funded by the Home Office via ACPO.

72.5 The MPS confirmed to Members that the reduction from 84 to 63 officers in Operation Swale is due to UKBA funding reductions. MPS operations (Maxim) will continue as before. They informed Members that Specials were being used in the Abusive Images Unit – after screening and vetting – and the Clubs Unit. SCD9 have found that they bring valuable skills and creativity to the job. Members agreed that the unit as a whole have proved to be innovative and proactive.

72.6 With regard the use of new powers to prosecute for sex with a trafficked female, the MPS noted that using this legislation is very challenging – as the only real way to collect evidence would be via leaving trafficked women on volatile sites for entrapment (which has obvious ethical implications). In relation to obscene images, they told Members that SCD5 was responsive whereas SCD9 is proactive. They use software designed in the USA to pick up on risk factors and pinpoint those at risk.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

73. Performance Overview of Operation Jigsaw

(Agenda items 10)

73.1 Members asked whether 40 RSOs to one managing officer is sustainable and whether this figure will be reduced. The MPS responded that the average number is consistently monitored from the centre and that it is their aspiration to remain under 40. Area commanders report to borough commanders on the manageability of their workloads and individual borough performance is then reported to David Ainscough.

73.2 The MPS agreed to provide figures and protocols around the rehousing of UK nationals convicted abroad within London.

73.3 The MPS informed Members that six-weekly MAPPA meetings are used to consider the critical few (level three). If level two, your file will be reviewed every 12 weeks at a multiagency meeting.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

6. MEMBERS TO BE PROVIDED WITH INFORMATION AROUND THE REHOUSING OF UK NATIONALS CONVICTED ABROAD MPS

74. Performance Overview of Operation Compass

(Agenda item 11)

74.1 Members asked how officers deal with children who are repeatedly report missing – noting that such cases could consume significant resource. The MPS responded that they are conscious of repeat missing, although partnership agencies have proved less responsive. Part of the problem is that care homes often report a child as missing as opposed to an ‘unauthorized absence’ – although both cases do entail vulnerability (particularly if the care home child is non-English speaking). Problematically, the MPS is not entailed to a list of care-homes from Ofsted as information as to location and children is protected. Members suggested that this be taken up through the Safeguarding Children Board.

74.2 Members asked which force would be responsible if a child missing from elsewhere is thought to be in London. The MPS replied that the policy is that the home address dictates responsibility although the MPS may take the case up if the bulk of evidence is within the Metropolitan area.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

75. Operational Policing Measures

(Agenda item 12)

75.1 The MPS introduced this report, noting a concerted effort to assign an OPM code for every MPS worker and to ensure accurate collection of this data – which has previously fallen out of use. This is an important tool in looking at the variety of work undertaken in different areas across the organisation and therefore in determining organisational resilience and strengths in anticipation of forthcoming cuts.

75.2 Members raised concerns that there is still no definition of operational policing. The MPS replied that the functions are defined in the report and that as this data is used it will become more affective (and refined). It is important to measure what staff are doing in order to achieve a ‘balanced policing model’ as outlined by the Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson.

75.3 A Member suggested that given these figures the discussion around frontline policing looks to be something of a nonsense. The MPS agreed that the correct measure should be balanced policing as visibility is not the whole story – units working on abusive images as mentioned earlier during this meeting, for instance. The goal is to use resources to optimize operational capability and this measure will ensure that the MPS can make powerful representations to HMIC and the Home Office is this respect.

75.4 In relation to the HMIC figures – 11% of asset being front-line operational, cited at paragraphs 34-37 – the MPS noted that as each day is split into 4 shifts, even if every officer was available for front-line duty a maximum of 25% could be operational. They noted that they had been talking to the Home Office and were seeking to modify the debate.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

76. Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill (Oral report)

(Agenda item 13)

76.1 The Deputy Chief Executive (DCE) of the MPA provided this update, noting that an initial briefing paper had been distributed to Members. The second reading of the Bill has been scheduled for Monday 13 December 2010 and the committee stage will be reached during January. There is a potential that changes may be implemented in London first – so that all is in place for the 2012 Games. She noted that the MPA had found some areas of the Bill to be in want of clarification, and asked Members to provide any feedback.

76.2 Members noted that the APA conference made clear the opposition of the APA to the changes and asked whether the MPA was signed up on this position. The DCE replied that the MPA response to the white paper was signed off by Members, noting that every police authority has differing views. A Member suggested that they signed the MPA response on the basis that the changes were to go ahead regardless and that they should position themselves to fight the fights that could be won.

76.3 Members asked whether the proposed annual Police and Crime Plan could be rejected by the GLA by two-thirds majority as can the Mayoral strategies, and asked for clarification around the ownership of budgets and appointments.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

77. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 14)

77.1 Members agreed to exclude press and public.

78. Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 11 November 2010

(Agenda item 16)

78.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting.

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee held on 11 November 2010 (part 2) were agreed and signed as a correct record.

Meeting closed - 4.30 pm

Summary of action items if known:

1. MPS TO REPORT TO SOPC WHEN FINDINGS OF RAPE RESEARCH ARE CONCLUDED. Ongoing – findings expected Feb/March

2. MEMBERS TO RECEIVE BREAKDOWN OF GROUPS WITH WHICH SAPPHIRE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP. Ongoing

3. MPS TO INFORM MEMBERS OF HOW NUMBERS OF DRIVERS DISQUALIFIED DURING THIS PERIOD COMPARED TO PREVIOUS PERIODS, AND WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS MEASURE – E.G. FAILURE TO DISCLOSE OWNERSHIP. Included in Headline Performance report at paragraph 49

4. CIRCULATE BRIEFING ON AZURE TO ALL MEMBERS Complete – 4 Jan 2011

5. CIRCULATE MPS MUNRO REVIEW SUBMISSIONS TO SOP MEMBERS Ongoing

6. MEMBERS TO BE PROVIDED WITH INFORMATION AROUND THE REHOUSING OF UK NATIONALS CONVICTED ABROAD Attached at Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Subject: Convicted UK Nationals returning to Heathrow

Regarding Caroline Pidgeon's query concerning convicted UK nationals being re-housed on arrival back at Heathrow after serving their sentence my facts were slightly incorrect it was not just Hillingdon that were being predominantly approached but also boroughs situated nearby to charities' offices that support such individuals or boroughs that provide significantly cheaper housing, whilst some boroughs furthest from the charities had never been approached to house such an offenders.

The Protocol came into force on 1st Aug this year. Since then 3 deportees have been sent to Barking, Barnet and Bexleyheath respectively as the protocol is being used alphabetically

Prior to this in the current financial year April to July deportees within the MPS were despatched as follows..

2 x Hammersmith 1 x Hillingdon 1 x Ealing 1 x Newham 1x Camden and 1x Haringey

In the last financial year April to March 2009 the breakdown was as follows.

4x Hammersmith 3 x Hillingdon 3 x Haringey 2 x Hackney 2 x Westminster and 1 to each of the following Newham, Waltham Forest and Greenwich.

The charities concerned are now aware of the protocol which appears to be working well.

David Ainscough A/Det Supt, Op Jigsaw, Compass & Public Protection Desks

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