Minutes - draft

These minutes are agreed.

Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 17 March 2011 after a joint meeting of the Strategic and Operational Policing and the Finance and Resources Committees which began at 2.00 pm, at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (as Chairman)
• Tony Arbour
• Faith Boardman
• Chris Boothman
• Cindy Butts
• Toby Harris
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Graham Speed

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)
• Richard Clarke (Director of Strategy and Improvement)
• Nick Roberts (Director of Financial Services)
• DAC Stuart Osborne (Counter Terrorism Command)
• Acting DAC Simon Pountain (Territorial Policing)
• Commander Jerry Savill (Central Operations)
• Acting Commander Carl Bussey (Director of Professional Standards)
• Chief Inspection Glenn Tunstall (Directorate of Professional Standards)

90. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

90.1 Apologies were received for Jennette Arnold.

91. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

91.1 No declarations were received.

92. Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 13 January 2011

(Agenda item 3)

92.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting.

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee held on 13 January 2011 were agreed and signed as a correct record.

93. Urgent actions and operational issues

(Agenda item 4)

93.1 None discussed.

94. Report from sub-committees

(Agenda item 5)

94.1 Members noted this report.

95. Headline performance report

(Agenda item 6)

95.1 The MPS introduced this report, noting that performance has been relatively consistent over the previous few months. They reported that confidence figures included in the British Crime Survey (of the 12 months to September 2010) placed the MPS fourth in the country and first amongst ‘most similar forces’.

95.2 The MPS went on to report that robbery is up 7.8% for the same period last year, which includes a 9.2% increase in personal robbery (this increase is also a factor in knife crime statistics). They informed members that Performance Board is seeking to address this rise, and cited Operation Autumn Nights as one example. A publicity campaign was aimed at members of the public in January, advising them on how best to avoid becoming victims of robbery.

95.3 Members noted that paragraph 48 references the increasing sophistication of forensic services as key to increasing the detection rate for homicide to 92.7%. They asked whether the decision to scrap the Forensic Science Service would impact upon these gains. The MPS responded that work was ongoing to assess the implications of that decision, that this was raised at the Corporate Governance Board, and that a range of mitigating measures are being considered.

95.4 Members then asked whether the drop in recorded hate crime reflected increased underreporting. The MPS responded that whilst this is a very challenging question to address some work had been done in relation to it and they would be happy to prepare a briefing note for members.

95.5 The MPS informed Members that Operation Focus is targeted at reducing crime in burglary hotspots whereas Operation Bumblebee is geared toward prevention more broadly.

95.6 Members expressed concern that motor vehicle theft had increased by 6.3% on last year’s level, despite a 2% reduction target, and that motor vehicle crime is an exception to the trend of improved sanction-detection. The MPS agreed that this remained an area of concern, and that the use of coastal ports to traffic stolen vehicles abroad and the theft of old vehicles for scrap metal have been specific problems. Members asked for reassurance that resource would continue to be made available for this specialist area of work. The MPS responded that SCD currently work with industry to mitigate vehicle crime whilst much of the burglary work is done within TP. They cautioned that, whilst this work will continue to be done, resource must be balanced to address concern around robbery and burglary.

Resolved – That the report be noted

1. The MPS to provide a briefing note that summarizes previous research on underreporting of hate crime. [MPS]

96. TP performance report

(Agenda item 7)

96.1 The MPS informed Members that all 32 boroughs have now selected their choice of TP Development shift pattern, and the TP Development Programme will be engaging with MetFed staff and in accordance with agreed EIAs to assess the impact of each change of pattern upon the community. They noted that five boroughs have already implemented these changes and that remaining boroughs are scheduled to do so by the end of March. They project that these new patterns will enable 20% more officers to be available on Friday and Saturday nights. It was noted that reactive shift patterns were also being reviewed.

96.2 Members asked what shift patterns were now offered, and whether the MPS remained committed to single-patrolling. The MPS responded that whereas the old shift pattern was based on one week earlies, one week lates, one week nights and one week off, the new shift pattern is based on two earlies, two lates, two nights and four days off. The MPS reported that this was better for officer welfare and for coverage. They confirmed that single-patrol strategies which were agreed by each borough were being adhered to. However, each patrol is subject to a risk assessment and some may require doubling up, and some Specials are not accredited with single patrol status. The continued emphasis on single patrols was reaffirmed by AC McPherson at the previous Performance Board meeting.

96.3 Members noted the rise in mobile phone theft (noted at paragraph 18) and asked whether the MPS were prepared to counter the criminal use of phones to make proximity payments. The MPS agreed to report back to Members in relation to this.

96.4 Members asked for clarification around ‘scene revisits...regularly carried out between 1 and 4 hours after the offence’ (paragraph 21). The MPS confirmed that this meant that not only the initial reporting officer but also teams equip to identify any relevant CCTV footage, potential suspects and to conclude a forensic suitability assessment, in order that the scene can be tidied as soon as is possible. The term ‘regularly’ does not mean the same scene is visited over and over again but rather that such visits occur in relation to many different crime scenes.

Resolved – That the report be noted

2. MPS to provide update on steps taken to counter the use of stolen mobile phones to purchase/make payments. [MPS]

97. The handling of spontaneous firearms incidents

(Agenda item 8)

97.1 The MPS introduced this report which was intended to respond to the concerns of Members and of Coroner Dr Paul Knapman, in relation to the death of Mark Saunders.

97.2 The MPS noted that a blurring of the role of tactical advisor and bronze commander had been reported as problematic. They responded that such a blurring is not uncommon at the early stages of an operation until sufficient personnel are available, where individuals are asked to perform more than one role. However, despite the MPS position being that this did not undermine the operation, more tactical commanders have been trained (within the new CO5), and team leaders are being trained in a new bronze command course.

97.3 Second, the proximity and number of officers present to a ‘vulnerable person’ was cited by Dr Knapman. In response to this criticism the ACPO definition of a vulernable person has been changed to read someone in ‘emotional or mental distress’. The number of officers cited by the Coroner reflects that a number of officers were relieved during the operation. The layout of Markham Square also necessitated a greater police presence.

97.4 The MPS also noted that there is only one manual that governs the use of firearms and one additional set of instructions for the MPS (which is essentially a reproduction of ACPO’s guidance but set in context). Finally, they noted that a debrief from the operation will be available for July, although learning has been taken from a hot debrief (as suggested following Stockwell).

97.5 Members sought clarification as to what the additional MPS elements are in the guidance, noting the importance of national interoperability during the Olympics. The MPS responded that the additional matters were simply procedural e.g. officers should ensure to avoid excessive work hours, how to store weapons and the use of the armoury. None of these measures concern live operations. They confirmed that a programme was in place to harmonise the skills on all seven forces providing firearms units to the Games.

97.6 Members were informed that the decision to allow communication with spouses (and other family members) during this and hostage situations is done on a case-by-case basis, whilst the presiding officer is often reluctant to use third party negotiators.

97.7 Members reaffirmed their concern that this operation was not recorded on Airwave given the recommendations of Stockwell. The MPS responded that all overt Airwave communications are now recorded and that this was not a technical fault in the Airwave system. They agreed to provide Members with additional detail as to when the firearms channel started being recorded.

97.8 Members expressed concern that in this instance the debrief will be unavailable until two and half years after the incident. The MPS responded that much learning was somewhat self-evident and has already been acting upon. They affirmed to Members that the length of time taken to fully debrief has not detracted from this learning.

Resolved – That the report be noted

3. The MPS to provide information as to when firearms operations began to be recorded. [MPS]

98. Update on the anti-violence strategy

(Agenda item 9)

98.1 The MPS reported that much of this work was now moving into the implementation phase, including Operation Connect and safeguarding hubs.

98.2 A member asked for clarification around the use of random choice theory, and the MPS agreed to brief her on this outside of the meeting.

Resolved – That the report be noted

99. MET Forward Two

(Agenda item 10)

99.1 Members noted the report within further comment.

Resolved – That the report be noted

100. Update on the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill

(Agenda item 11)

100.1 Jane Harwood informed Members that the MPA had received notification that the third reading of the Bill would be taking place on 31 March. The Home Office hope that it will go through the House of Lords in May and receive Royal Assent by July (prior to the recess). She noted that a workshop had been arranged for Members to discuss the MOPC implementation plans.

100.2 Jane Harwood went on to mention that the Home Office Transitional Board considered a paper on the feasibility of London transitioning early, and that a working group composed of GLA, MPS, MPA and Home Office had been convened to this end. She informed Members that there were four main points of contention, including: the creation of the Commissioner as a Corporation Sole and the requirement for two statutory finance officers.

100.3 Members asked whether there would be a ‘hybrid’ organisation for a time in order to account for any legacy issues – e.g. in relation to professional standards. Jane Harwood responded that an augmented MPA SMT were focussed on this and other issues.

100.4 Toby Harris commented that it is feasible that the legislation could pass through the Lords and receive Assent by July. However, he noted that bills in relation to Localism, Health and Social Care, and Europe will all be considered around that time so there may be somewhat of a ‘log-jam’ in the Upper House that could upset this timetable.

101. Professional standards indicators

(Agenda item 12)

101.1 The MPS noted that a 3.8% increase in overall complaints had been recorded, and that 44% of all complaints were related to student protest in November and December 2010. They told Members that the three main categories remain the same, figures for oppressive behaviour having stabilised, incivility seeing reductions, and failure of duty rising. An ACPO lead had been appointed to oversee work in relation to failure of duty.

101.2 The MPS informed Members that the complaints intervention scheme had been refined to include all officers with two or more ‘events’ against their name. However, despite this change, the number of officers on this scheme has fallen. Baselines for customer service will be established in April.

101.3 The MPS noted a number of areas of success: that upheld appeals have increased, and that against five of the nine IPCC indicators they are performing better than the ‘most similar forces’.

101.4 The Chair expressed concern that the percentage of local resolutions had decreased, citing that the Taylor Reforms anticipated that 50-60% of all cases should be dealt with in this way. The MPS responded that they had completed a scoping exercise into why and had found that a lack of knowledge and awareness of the process within boroughs seemed to the cause. They agreed that a move away from the ‘mechanistic’ way of handling complaints was required.

Resolved – That the report be noted

102. IPCC recommendations implementation

(Agenda item 13)

102. The MPS introduced this report, noting that it detailed how learning is recorded, monitored and reviewed. It also discusses new systems that are to be introduced.

Resolved – That the report be noted

103. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 14)

Resolved – That members of the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting.

Part 2

104. Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 13 January 2011 (part 2)

(Agenda item 15)

104.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting.

Resolved - That the minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee held on 13 January 2011 (part 2) were agreed and signed as a correct record.

Meeting closed - 4.25 pm

Summary of action items:

1. The MPS to provide a briefing note that summarizes previous research on underreporting of hate crime. Status: Ongoing
2. MPS to provide update on steps taken to counter the use of stolen mobile phones to purchase/make payments. Status: Ongoing
3. The MPS to provide information as to when firearms operations began to be recorded. Status: Ongoing

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