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 10 November 2011 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin
• Toby Harris
• Tony Arbour
• Chris Boothman
• Jenny Jones
• Joanne McCartney
• Caroline Pidgeon
• Valerie Brasse

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Bob Atkins (Treasurer)
• Siobhan Coldwell (Head of Policing Policy Scrutiny and Oversight)
• Lynne Abrams (Policing Policy Scrutiny and Oversight)

MPS officers

• Stephen Kavanagh (Acting AC, Territorial Policing)
• Mark Simmons (DAC, Leadership Development)
• Phil Woolf (Director of Business Performance)
• Allan Gibson (Acting DAC, Head of Operations, Specialist Crime)
• Carl Bussey (Acting Commander, Crime and Customer Strategy)
• Stephen Watson (North West Area Commander)
• Stephen Wisbey (Borough Commander, Waltham Forest)
• Nick Sumner (Detective Chief Inspector, SCD9)
• Reg Hooke (Acting OCU Commander, SCD5)
• Caroline Bates (OCU Commander, SCD2)

46. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

46.1 Apologies were received from Jennette Arnold and Cindy Butts.

47. Declarations of interests

(Agenda item 2)

47.1 No declarations were received.

48. Minutes of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee 13 October 2011

(Agenda item 3)

48.1 Members agreed the minutes for the above meeting.

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

49. Urgent actions and operational issues

(Agenda item 4)

49.1 The MPS provided an oral update regarding the student demonstrations of 9 November 2011, marking the anniversary of the demonstrators which resulted in damage to Millbank Tower. This protest was geared predominantly toward the banking industry (as opposed to Parliament as was previously the case), and the organisers hoped to march to the entrance of the Bank of England at Bank Junction. Members were informed that the MPS engaged in challenging negotiation with the organisers in order to agree a suitable route – to London Wall - on the basis that Bank Junction would not be large enough to accommodate the projected 10,000 protesters (and the route into it via Ludgate Hill was being readied for the Lord Mayor’s Show).

49.2 The MPS noted that they had real concerns of serious order, premised upon the information available and previous demonstrations of this kind. As such, a significant number of officers were deployed, including PSUs. Mutual aid officers were brought in from nearby forces in order to reduce travel time and cost. The march was managed by dividing the route and other previously vulnerable areas (such as the West End) as distinct, and allocating resource to them accordingly.

49.3 Members were informed that given recent disorder the MPS were clear in imposing a number of conditions around the march, including the time at which the assembly was to end. Whilst some sought to remain, police escorted them to transport hubs at the time agreed. The protest passed peacefully, with only 24 arrests being made, 12 of which were for breach of march conditions on the basis that protesters broke through a thin blue line of officers at Trafalgar Square and set up a small camp. A number of Black Bloc members were arrested for not removing their facial coverings after being requested to do so. They noted that the demonstrators stopped at Fleet Street – wanting to go straight ahead to the Bank of England – but that they relented after around 20 minutes, and that only one offence committed had a victim – the window of a bank was smashed.

49.4 A Member noted that she was present at the demonstration and that a number of protesters had informed her that their coaches had been stopped and searched on their way to the march, and that their names were taken. She stated that this appeared heavy-handed and that these people were students not anarchists. She also noted that Black Bloc members appeared to be moving in advance of the march at times and reminded the MPS that this group was responsible of much of the disorder at the previous TUC event.

49.5 Another Member stated that the policing operation of 9 November must be considered a success. He noted that given high police numbers, one would expect that to be the case. He went on to ask whether the MPS could confirm that members of the business community had been warned to contact police if raffle tickets were left on their windows (as these were used to notify protesters to target those premises).

49.6 Whilst Members had not addressed the point, the MPS noted that comments made in relation to the potential use of baton rounds were in response to a direct question posed by a member of the press. They informed Members that only a couple of coaches were stopped and not all persons were searched, rather these were conducted on the basis of specific intelligence. They were unable to talk to Block Bloc moving in front of the crowd, although it was stated that they broke off towards the end and were supervised by the MPS. The use of raffle tickets to identify potential targets had been identified as a possible tactic and a number of businesses had reported this during the day. As a response, the MPS did inform other businesses to be mindful. They noted that no injuries were reported to the police and whilst a couple were reported to the Ambulance Service, no one was present when ambulances got to the supposed scene.

49.7 The Chair commended the MPS on the success of this operation and noted that whilst they tend to attract criticism for either under-resourcing or over-resourcing each major protest, the limited disorder in this instance, did reveal the usefulness of deploying large numbers of officers.

50. Headline performance report

(Agenda item 5)

50.1 The MPS introduced this report, highlighting areas of good performance and of concern.

50.2 In relation to knife crime, Members were informed that knife-enabled robbery was driving an overall increase, although instances were knifes have been used to injure were down. They noted that a range of tactics – including Operation Scarlet 100 which targets crime in nightclubs and Operation Sharvor which targets crime on coaches - were in place and that over 1,500 knifes have been confiscated and prosecution rates are steadily improving. Messaging includes highlighting the fact that you are more likely to be a victim of crime if you carry a knife (and not vice versa as many believe).

50.3 Members were informed that Operation Reclaim is likely to expand dramatically, with more frequent (twice in every 28 days) and larger proactive operations. The MPS noted that ANPR drives the targeting of cars in Operation Reclaim. Whilst funding was highlighted as an issue, the MPS assured Members that they were working towards establishing an optimum level of ANPR kit (including transportable hardware) and that this will inform a robust business case. The Chair suggested that the MPS may wish to explore options around corporate sponsorship, from the insurance industry for instance. Members were also informed that the pounds coped with the previous operation although capacity will be reviewed.

50.4 Members were provided with a update regarding performance within Waltham Forest, which was accompanied by a briefing note (attached at appendix 1). The MPS noted that the borough had seen exceptional reductions in violence and satisfaction indicators, for instance, but recognised that challenges around serious acquisitive crime remained. The borough has restructured to enable a bespoke response to robbery and burglary, including increasing forensic operations and localised tasking. Members were informed that the borough suffers complex problems relating to youth offending and victims refusing to give evidence, but that they have very good partnership relationships (e.g. collocation) in place to combat such cultural issues. The MPS concluded that they are convinced that sanction-detection rates will improve.

50.5 The MPS informed Members that rates of domestic homicide were decreasing. They noted that there was a positive arrest policy in place for domestic violence and each instance is risk assessed. Finally, they stated that rates of hate crime had been reducing and that this reflected a broad national downward trend.

Resolved – that the report be noted.

51. Update on the Safer Neighbourhoods operating model

(Agenda item 6)

51.1 The MPS introduced this report, which updated Members on the progress made towards implementing a new operating model for Safer Neighbourhoods policing. Members were informed that flexible deployment across wards will remain the exception, with full strength teams on each ward remaining the default position. Furthermore, a minimum strength of 1 PC and 1 PCSO will be sustained within each ward at all times. On top of robust internal monitoring and review, the MPA will receive regular reports on the amount of flex being used across the MPS. The MPS noted that a community engagement strategy was in place, an EIA on the use of flex drafted, and a system of ward feedback devised.

51.2 Members were informed that the performance framework for Safer Neighbourhoods officers will now make explicit their role in cutting crime and ASB. He noted that the performance framework will evolve as the programme moves forward, and will be aligned to a revised shift pattern and demand profiles during December.

51.3 The Chair noted that this programme amounted to a significant change in what Safer Neighbourhoods teams would be doing and, given modifications to shift patterns, when they will be doing it. He asked how MPS SMT would carry officers with them and how these changes would be communicated to officers.

51.4 A Member asked that the recommendation be amended in order to request that ‘Members note the report’ only, without mention of ‘progress made’. She went on to state that a number of councillors (particularly within Streatham) had expressed concerns that they were seeing less and less of their Safer Neighbourhoods teams. She suggested that the Lambeth pilot should have been completed and evaluated prior to taking such radical decisions regarding Safer Neighbourhoods, and that some of the wards paired, Faraday and Newington for instance, experience very diverse crime trends and cover broad geographic areas.

51.5 Another Member expressed concern that ‘reassurance’ was no longer listed amongst the Safer Neighbourhoods outcomes despite this being flagged as a key area of work within the findings of the MPA’s research scrutiny project. She also suggested that flex should be monitored bi-monthly (as opposed to once a month), and asked whether the planning assumption remained that there would be a reduction of 150 Sergeants this year and 150 more next year, and whether only cross-ward deployment of over 24 hours would be considered flex.

51.6 The Chair asked whether the MPS plans to evaluate the sharing of sergeants and build any findings into a revised model.

51.7 The MPS responded that the change programme has been ‘bottom-up’ throughout, with the project team completing extensive consultation both internally and with external partners. As such, the performance frameworks as drafted reflect, as far as was possible, the desires of those doing the job – although the team received many contrasting points of view in relation to managing ASB and crime. The maximum time for which flex can be applied is four weeks, which is reviewable every two weeks. Members were informed that if sergeants are wrongly aligned, they will modify the model. However, they were reminded that these decisions were taken not by the centre but at the Borough level. The decision not to define deployments of fewer than 24 hours as flex was taken on the basis that officers must have the capacity to move freely between wards when investigating crime (taking statements for instance). They noted that Operation Hawk, which ensures that flexible tasking is responsive to community needs, will soon be in place. In relation to cutting a further 150 sergeants, the officer stated he was not aware of plans to do so from outside Safer Neighbourhoods.

51.8 The MPS agreed to look into and feed back to the MPA in relation to concerns made by councillors in Streatham.

51.9 The Chair suggested that the performance framework be modified in order to make it explicit that reassurance remained an integral element of Safer Neighbourhoods policing. Members agreed with this proposition.

1. MPS to feed back to the MPA in relation to concerns of Streatham councillors that they had not seen SNTs on ward since SNT review. MPS
2. SN performance framework to be modified in order to make it explicit that reassurance remained an integral element. MPS

52. TP Development programme: oral update

(Agenda item 7)

52.1 The MPS provided an oral update in relation to the ongoing TP Development Programme, noting that a written report would be presented to the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee on 8 December 2011. Whilst work continues across the 15 projects – six of which have involved early departure schemes - Operation Kirkin has resulted in delays. They noted that Programme aims to provide a more efficient model for deploying resources across London, providing centralised command and control by bolstering dispatch and custody operations, for instance, in order to end a ‘post-code lottery’ in the level of service provided.

52.2 Members were informed that the projects to transfer the Safer Neighbourhoods OCU into the Crime and Customer Strategy Command and to streamline Territorial Policing HQ have now been completed. Work is ongoing within the Crime Reporting and Investigation Bureau (CRIB) to benchmark telephone reporting against other forces, in order to take advantage of the opportunity to professionalise and to find savings. In relation to custody, the MPS noted that the use of ‘Victorian cells’ was anachronistic and that management of the custody process by borough was challenging. They noted that lessons had been learnt regarding the corporate use of custody suites during the disorder during August, and that there was a requirement to deliver a process 24/7 across London.

52.3 The MPS stated that Integrated Borough Operations (IBOs) were a fudge – managing from central command and control to local delivery. Instead, there will be an expectation for control supervisors to manage more clearly the assets at their disposal. They also noted savings possible by streamlining the intelligence and investigation processes, and joint working with the CPS (by introducing electronic case files, for instance). In relation to public access, Members were informed that work was being done to improve technologies used – and the MPS are considering things such as ‘track my crime’ (Avon and Somerset) –and to identify where front-counters add value. The MPS noted that the use of Multi-agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH) amounted to an opportunity to end silo working and encourage information sharing between partners. Staff Associations and MetFED are being engaged on a regular basis, and whilst staff will be unnerved by change, the MPS have sought a professional and positive engagement, recognising that they must operate within a budget set by the MPA.

52.4 Members asked several questions including whether the MPS had taken the decision to operate only one front-counter per borough (and to do so on a 24 hour basis); if central management of crime types would likely lead to a rise in recorded crimes (as has been the case with SCD2) and how the presentation of such rises would be managed; and whether the CPS will be cutting provision into integrated prosecution teams, further increasing pressure on boroughs.

52.5 The MPS responded that every borough will have one 24 hour front counter (Westminster will have two) and other front counters. Borough Commanders will be given responsibility to decide where to reduce front counters. This reduction reflects that the MPS must be more responsive to communications patterns within London and budgetary pressures, in light of a 12% drop in access via front counters over the last two years, for instance.

52.6 The MPS noted that they had piloted changes to the CRIB within Brent and Hillingdon and that they did see rises in recorded crimes, due to changes in reporting. The organisation is working with other forces who have implemented similar changes in order to benchmark this rise, and they will continue to tell an honest story.

52.7 The MPS noted that officers serve where they are needed and that CCC has backfilled 60 roles from boroughs (due to Operation Kirkin). Furthermore, Operation Withern has required around 500 officers. The Member replied that Haringey had lost a third of its officers to central initiatives. The MPS noted that many officers are kept behind front counters when are required on the front line, and that a round of PCSO recruitment would begin shortly.

52.8 Finally, a Member suggested that the MPS approach ‘track my crime’ with caution, given that it may raise a false expectation that crimes will be dealt with quickly and that a positive result should be anticipated. He noted that in some instances a phone call from the MPS simply to confirm that they are ‘dealing with the matter’ would be more appropriate.

53. Specialist Crime Directorate 9: update report

(Agenda item 8)

53.1 The MPS informed Members that this report included a brief summary of the work of SCD9 in countering Human Trafficking, including responses to Government policy and the strategic framework within which they operate. They noted that the Trafficking and Prostitution Unit (TPU) was composed of 39 officers, and that they had developed a mandatory training package for 18000 MPS staff and for 120000 across the country, and are now developing a product for investigators. An MPS Trafficking policy was now in place and a helpline established. Over the previous 18 months, TPU have identified 201 victims of trafficking and 121 suspects arrested. The Human Trafficking handbook, which comprises chapters from the Unit and its Government, voluntary, and international partners, has been published in October 2011. They noted that the Unit operated three posts which were funded from the Migration Impacts Fund (MIF), and that computer crime within SCD9 would soon merge with SCD5. Members were informed that the Unit had yet to receive intelligence that suggested that the Olympics may result in an up-surge in trafficking. Finally, they noted that work was underway to tender for increased funding from the EU to mitigate the loss of the aforementioned MIF provision.

53.2 Members asked if the Paladin Team had been successful in safeguarding children moving through London ports – particularly in relation to St Pancreas; and whether a reduction in officers involved in abusive images and online child grooming was the wrong direction of travel (in light of the Vincent Tabak case, for instance).

53.3 A Member requested to be provided with a list of Units within SCD and the work that they undertake.

53.4 The MPS replied that they are engaged with BTP and whilst the officer was not sighted on the commitment of the Team at St Pancreas, he suggested that this would be outside of the MPS’ scope. They noted that the brining together of the computer crime asset was driven by the prospect of increasing efficiency and safeguarding. Operational numbers will be preserved, although some administrative posts will not be.

Resolved – that the report be noted.

3. Members to be provided with a list of Units within SCD (and the work that they undertake). MPS

54. Specialist Crime Directorate 5: update report

(Agenda item 9)

54.1 The MPS introduced this report, which provided details regarding the work of SCD5, partnership activity, and their priorities for the forthcoming year. The Command has been provided with an uplift of 18% following the Baby Peter incident and is now at full complement. The Baby Peter change programme has been implemented in full. SCD5 investigated 25,000 allegations of abuse over the course of the year, offences are down 3%, and an SD rate of 27% has been achieved - against a target of 22%.

54.2 Members were informed that the Child Abuse Practitioner Exercise (CAPE) will provide immersive training and that the basic training for investigators has been updated to include child development and barriers to communication. The MPS noted that attendance at case conferences has improved from 21% to 46% over the year and that SCD5 have put in place a continuous improvement programme.

54.3 A Member noted that she had a particular interest in this Command and was assured by what was an upbeat and positive report. She noted that the units mentioned at paragraph three (central support units) do an excellent job and that she hoped that they would remain in any further realignments. Second, she noted that post-Baby Peter the number of allegations had risen and asked whether this was now flat-lining.

54.4 A Member noted that that a pilot of joint referral desks had been completed in Haringey. She asked to receive a copy of the evaluation of this pilot (including a cost / benefit analysis).

54.5 In relation to central support teams, the MPS responded that they had no plans to move the Murder Team and are considering the brigading of the Continuous Improvement Team across SCD. However, the organisation is dedicated to preserving a focus on SCD5 – in line with the recommendations of Lord Laming. The Training Unit should also be retained. They also informed Members that allegations continue to rise, although figures are reaching a plateau in some areas.

54.6 The MPS also informed Members that they will likely never seek to each 100% attendance at case conferences, as this would be an inefficient use of resources – in many instances, the needs of the conference can be met by the MPS to producing only a report. A Member cautioned that writing a report is not the same as being at the conference, hearing the intelligence information, and being able to respond.

54.7 Finally, in relation to the pilot in Haringey, the MPS recognised the value of work done there. They noted that Haringey is a single Child Abuse Investigation Team borough, and that as this is not the case across London lessons learnt would not necessarily transfer without complication. They suggested that much that had been achieved within Haringey can be accomplished in a different way, via MASH.

Resolved – that the report be noted.

4. A Member noted that that a pilot of joint referral desks had been completed in Haringey. Members to receive a copy of the evaluation of this pilot (including a cost / benefit analysis). MPS

55. Specialist Crime Directorate 2: serious sexual offences review

(Agenda item 10)

55.1 The MPS noted, in response to Members questions, that the Command had experienced an increase in reported crime as measured against increased resource. The Command has had a 20% uplift in staff numbers, and many of these have been allocated to the Complex Case Team - a team of approximately 30 officers who are able to respond to complex cases within the first 48 hours in a response similar to that provided by a major investigations team. This has enabled the Command to manage the increased demand well. Officer caseloads are reviewed on a bi-weekly basis.

55.2 The MPS went on to note, in relating to reducing numbers of rape charges, that in 2005 30% of attrition occurred by ‘no-criming’ reports by the MPS (prior to recording, investigation, victim support and public protection being assessed). Now, attrition is more likely to occur at the point at which the MPS hand the case on to the broader criminal justice system (following investigation). She suggested that this was due to challenges around the standard of evidence required to bring a charge of rape – due to the nature of the crime and the severity of the criminal justice outcome.

55.3 A Member noted that juries tend remain difficult to convince in relation to rape and asked whether the Commissioner was sighted on the requirement to change societal attitudes. The MPS responded that the Commissioner had been briefed on the remaining challenges and that he had been involved in work on attitudes to consent whilst at the Home Office. She agreed that juries will often reach not guilty findings, but noted that the MPS had increasing success in getting witnesses and victims to appear.

55.4 A Member informed the Committee that she would shortly be running a seminar on how to improve the courtroom experience.

Resolved – that the report be noted.

56. MPA report on child sexual exploitation

(Agenda item 11)

56.1 The MPA introduced this report regarding child sexual exploitation, which was agreed by Members to be a public protection priority. They noted that the MPS had contributed a significant quantity of data towards the production of this report, and that the report laid out a scenario in order to clarify where elements of such operations would sit within the organisation. They asked for Members to consider potential areas for development and to adopt the recommendations.

56.2 Members endorsed the recommendations.

56.3 The MPS welcomed the report, but cautioned that the process outlined would not reflect the victim experience, as child sexual exploitation investigations are now managed within one business group and each case will be under the control of a single supervisor.

56.4 A Member expressed concern regarding the apparent links between children in care who are declared missing and child sexual exploitation. The MPS noted that the Children’s Commissioner is conducting an investigation into that issue and the MPS are involved. They hope that this investigation will result in positive learning and a defined way forward.

Resolved – that

1. the report be noted.
2. Members recommend that the MPS produce a policy/ strategy in relation to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) which addresses the areas of development highlighted within the report.

57. Thematic performance report

(Agenda item 12)

57.1 Members noted the report without further discussion.

Resolved – that the report be noted.

58. Directorate of Professional Standards: performance report

(Agenda item 13)

58.1 Members noted the report without further discussion.

Resolved – that the report be noted.

59. Update on the implementation of IPCC recommendations

(Agenda item 14)

59.1 Members noted the report without further discussion.

Resolved – that the report be noted.

60. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 15)

60.1 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, paragraph 3.

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

61. Update on the implementation of IPCC recommendations (PART 2)

(Agenda item 16)

Resolved – that the report be noted.

62. Application for funding of an officer's legal representation

(Agenda item 17)

62.1 Members considered an application for funding, and agreed to defer the matter pending the receipt of further information.

Resolved – that the matter be deferred for further consideration at the meeting of the Strategic and Operational Policing Committee to take place on 8 December 2011.

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