MPS response to Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report recommendations

Report: 10
Date: 15 January 2002
By: Commissioner

Summary

This paper outlines work in progress by the MPS in meeting the recommendations set out in the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report.

A. Recommendation

That Members note the contents of the report and in particular, the progress being made by the MPS to meet the recommendations not yet completed.

B. Supporting information

1. Sir William Macpherson's report detailed 70 recommendations designed to address the failings which were evident, not only in the police response to the murder of Stephen Lawrence, but to the wider issues of education and the criminal justice system.

2. Of the 70 recommendations, 39 fell to the police service to implement, either exclusively or in partnership with other agencies.

3. To date the MPS has implemented all 39 recommendations, with 26 of the 39 recommendations embedded sufficiently within policy and practice, to consider them 'complete'.

4. Of the 26 recommendations now considered 'complete':

• Nine relate to the identification, recording and response to racist incidents and crimes.
  (1,12,13,14,15,18,31,44,70) (5 incomplete- 16,17,28,29,30)
• Seven relate to our response to murder and family liaison.
  (19,20,21,24,25,26 & 27) (1 yet to be completed- 23.)
• Seven relate to training, personnel and recruitment issues.
  (48,50,51,53,59,64 & 65) (5 yet to be completed- 45,46,47,49,52)
• Three relate to monitoring performance.
  (2 and 22 & 60) (2 yet to be completed- 61 & 62)

5. Of the 13 recommendations yet to be completed:

• Four are being progressed in partnership with other agencies including Victim Support, local authorities and the judiciary (16,17, 28, 30)
• Four are being progressed in conjunction with the Home Office (29, 52, 61 & 62)
• Five are yet to be completed because they involve a significant training implication for the MPS (23, 45, 46, 47 & 49).
• The current position on those 13 recommendations that are yet to be considered as complete is set out in the table at Appendix 1.

7. The MPS reports progress in meeting the recommendations on a quarterly basis to the Lawrence Steering Group. The MPS Diversity Strategy Action Plan was published on 4th December 2001, following approval by the Diversity Strategy Board. This action plan includes the Stephen Lawrence Recommendations within the relevant work groups' areas of responsibility.

8. Therefore, responsibility will be given to the work group heads to progress the recommendations and formulate key actions and target dates. This will generate accountability, responsibility and direction, which the Diversity Strategy Monitoring Unit can monitor and evaluate. The Unit will also provide the aforementioned quarterly report for both the Home Secretary's Lawrence Steering Group and the DCC4 Intranet site

9. Members are asked to note the above progress and that future reports will be submitted to the Authority in line with the reporting cycle to the Lawrence Steering Group.

C. Financial implications

All costs will be contained within existing budgets.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

Report author: Jeremy Burton, MPS.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

Appendix 1: Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report - recommendations not yet completed

Recommendation  16

16. That all possible steps should be taken by police services at local level in consultation with local government and other agencies and local communities to encourage the reporting of racist incidents and crimes. This should include: 

• the ability to report at locations other than police stations; 
• and the ability to report 24 hours a day. 

Current position

• The ACPO Guide on identifying & combating hate crime (ACPO Hate Crime Guide) and the Minimum Standards for CSUs (MPS only) include third party & remote site reporting. ACPO Hate crime manual launched nationally 11/9/00. ACPO Hate Crime Manual currently undergoing first annual review. Revised edition expected 2/02. 
• MPS Third Party Crime Reporting Guide launched 11/9/00. 28 boroughs have adopted third party or self-reporting initiatives. 4 boroughs are planning for third party reporting to be in place by 4/02. Each of these 4 boroughs will be visited, before 4/02, by a representative of DCC4 to encourage and advise on the implementation of third party reporting sites. The MPS average for third party crime reporting for all hate crime is currently 1%. 
• The Guide has gone to all boroughs, and includes examples of good practice. The guide can be used to assist in the training of volunteers, together with advice from DCC4 & Waltham Forest, the latter having developed their own training. The Guide was published on the DCC4 Intranet site in 2/01. A Police Notice on 'Third Party Reporting' to be issued by 4/02. 
• Audit of boroughs for third party sites was completed in 3/01. 
• Agencies are being identified to facilitate third party reporting 24 hours a day. On 1/6/01, the Police Information Technology Organisation (PITO) launched a "web portal" that will accept details of minor non-urgent crimes and automatically forward information to police forces. 
• ACPO Race and Community Relations Committee have produced national guidelines for third party reporting.

Recommendation 17

17. That there should be close co-operation between police services and local government and other agencies, including in particular Housing and Education Departments, to ensure that all information as to racist incidents and crimes is shared and is readily available to all agencies. 

Current position

• 'Reducing Crime and Disorder' joint MPS and ALG publication providing a practitioners guide sets out protocols for sharing of information between agencies. Published 2/99 and circulated to all boroughs and local authority Community Safety Officers. 
• Guidance on information sharing regarding racist incidents is covered within Minimum Investigative Standards for Community Safety Units (Special Notice 15/00) and within Special Notice 26/98 specifically on this topic. All boroughs have adopted 26/98. 
• Project LION (London Information On Line) will develop information sharing between partner agencies. Pilot commenced in Lewisham during 2000 and is ongoing. Proof of concept scheme will be based on this. LION has now become part of the MPS Policing Model that is being developed by Territorial Policing. An interactive mapping facility went 'live' on the web site on 12/10/01. This will allow members access to view maps of crime data across London. Ealing and Waltham Forest to implement scheme by 3/'02. Blueprint document for the scheme was published 2/01. Web site went live on 25/06/01. Pan-London data sets are available for BTP, Refuge, London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and Acorn.

Recommendation 23

23. That police services should ensure that at local level there are readily available designated and trained Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) 

Current position

• DCC4(3), in conjunction with a number of other forces, as part of an ACPO working party are currently engaged in reviewing and further developing the National Family Liaison Guidelines. A draft document is currently out for consultation. It is anticipated the enhanced draft of the guidelines will be published following the consultation period. 
• On 29/03/01, the MPS launched its own policy and fundamental guidelines outlining the training, management, support, deployment and guidance of FLOs. Along with the Police Notice, a new leaflet for bereaved families outlining the family liaison service was released and is now in common use. 
• Family Contact: The MPS previously used a 3-tier structure to assess the need for FLOs and their level of intervention. This system has been discontinued, and all families will be assigned a FLO. 
• Training:
  • 1. Basic Awareness – All AMIP officers, OCG officers and Traffic Patrol Accident Investigators receive half-day training course. Awareness training is now included in CID, SIO and CSU courses. DCC4(3) FLO Team have developed a training package for 'first contact' officers and commissioned a training video. Training package to be rolled out 1/02, which will enable awareness training to be delivered to every officer, along with key civil staff. 22 FLOs trained to an advanced standard as Major Incident Team Leaders/Mentors/Coordinator's deputies. 
  • 2. Accredited Training, staff will form a cadre of FLOs. 6-day course commenced 3/00, now held every 3 weeks. Target of 500 officers trained by end 2001 has been achieved. There are 16 co-ordinators of Inspecting rank, who are attached to boroughs, Traffic, SCG, DPS, OCG, DCC4, Trident, SO13, CPTs and Detective Training School to deliver family liaison operationally. 
  • 3. FLO Coordinators/Intermediaries. To further support the delivery of family liaison at the local level, DCC4(3) has recruited an additional DS and 4 DCs to undertake the role of borough coordinators to ensure that adequate support and direction for FLOs and their managers. An external family liaison consultant has provided advice on crisis intervention in cases where productive family liaison is at risk. 
• Support network and six monthly seminars for FLOs now in place. A fully implemented OH strategy is in place, which maps selection, training, group debriefing and onward support for FLOs. 
• DCC4(3) has a database of trained personnel, which links officers' life skills, diversity and other specialist skills. 
• A database of supporting agencies has been developed and is currently in use within DCC4(3). This can be accessed by coordinators. 
• Contact has been established with FLO coordinators from all UK forces, with a view to developing a national database. The information is currently being collated and the database will be available for use 2/02.

Recommendation 28

28. That police services and victim support services ensure that their systems provide for the pro-active use of local contacts within minority ethnic communities to assist with family liaison where appropriate. 

Current position

• The RVCTF lead, and this recommendation is closely aligned to rec. 30. Database of contacts initiated, information being inputted to service the MPS. See also Rec. 23. 
• An example of a 'fast time' initiative in this area was the attack on the World Trade Center 11/9/01. On the afternoon of the attack, with Independent Advisory Groups' support and advice, the Diversity Directorate initiated a community reassurance programme. All boroughs were contacted and through local community group involvement, vulnerable premises were identified and risk assessments conducted. In partnership with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 18 family liaison officers went to New York and were able to offer support and practical help to those affected by the attack, including their families, partners and friends. This support is and will be sustained as needs require. 
• A representative from the VSS was due to be working with the RVCTF on a part time basis. Since the World Trade Center attack, improved working practices and increased use of the contacts database have superseded the need for an attachment. 
• A joint RVCTF/VSS conference where protocols were to be established for dealing with joint practice issues was planned for 22/9/01. This was cancelled due to the Trade Center attack. A new date has yet to be arranged

Recommendation 29

29. That police services should together with the Home Office, develop guidelines as to the handling of victims and witnesses, particularly in the field of racist incidents and crimes. The Victim's Charter to be reviewed in this context. 

Current position

• Minimum investigative standards for Community Safety Units deal with this issue and are included within ACPO Hate Crime Guide. 
• The way in which victims and witnesses need to be supported, particularly with regard to racist incidents and racist crimes, is addressed within training for Community Safety Unit staff. 
• On 31/10/00, DCC4(3) produced a leaflet for victims of racist crime outlining the provision of support that can be offered by Community Safety Units. Each leaflet contains contact details tailored to suit the needs of individual boroughs. The MPS Independent Advisory Groups have reviewed the content and structure. This leaflet for victims has been translated into 11 different languages. 
• The Home Office (Justice and Victims' Unit) commenced a review of the Victim's Charter in June. A document for consultation was available from 2/01 until 6/01. It is expected that the revised edition of the Victim's Charter will be published in autumn 2002. (The Charter was first published in 1990, with a revised edition produced in 1996) As a result of the consultation, the Victim Personal Statement Scheme was introduced and published in 8/01. This allows victims to provide an impact statement detailing the effects the crime/incident has had on them. Victims will also be able to register concerns about intimidation and the granting of bail.

Recommendation 30

30. That police services and victim support services ensure that their systems provide for the pro-active use of local contacts within minority ethnic communities to assist with victim support and with the handling and interviewing of sensitive witnesses. 

Current position

See Recommendation 28.

Recommendation 45

45. The First Aid training for all 'public contact' police officers (including senior officers) should at once be reviewed and revised to ensure that they have basic skills to apply First Aid. Officers must be taught to 'think First Aid', and first and foremost 'A (Airways), B (Breathing) and C (Circulation) 

Current position

• A review under "Future of First Aid Training Delivery" completed 1/01, taking into account service restructuring. Recommendations were placed before Management Board in 1/02. Reappraisal of the recommendations is being conducted before resubmission to Management Board before 2/02. 
• A 3-year rolling training programme includes ELS training, concentrating on Airways, Breathing and Circulation. Latest figures indicate 14,004 officers in PC, PS, Insp, DC, and DS positions are trained. 'Prism', a computerised database that will unify training records is being developed. Implementation expected 01/03 
• OH Head of Profession (First Aid) will continue to work with P9(2) and key personnel, to ensure training is delivered appropriately and accurate management information is available. 
• ACs and Borough Commanders remain accountable for ensuring those eligible for training are trained. 
• ACPO have agreed (8/99) to a framework for the content of First Aid training, which was ratified in 4/01. This includes-training standards, handouts, criteria for trainers, learning outcome competencies, trainer/student ratios and monitoring/ audit standards. ACPO policy published 7/01. 
• All public contact officers (including senior officers) are in a 3-year First Aid training cycle. 
• Several issues remain which are being considered by DAC Clarke. ELS training is currently being revised in conjunction with NPT. When complete, systems will be implemented to monitor structures and logistics around training delivery. Completion expected 9/02.

Recommendation 46

46. That training in First Aid, including refresher training, should include testing to recognised and published standards in every police service. 

Current position

• Special Notice 6/00 sets out all First Aid procedures in MPS, incl. student competencies for courses. Student competency monitoring forms have been developed and in use since 10/01. First Aid standards (safe, prompt, effective) are equivalent to those recommended by HSE, European Resuscitation Council and voluntary First Aid agencies (St John's) 
• This recommendation will be subject of continual review and therefore remains on going. The process is in place to ensure this review.

Recommendation 47

47. That Police Services should annually review First Aid training, and ensure that 'public contact' officers are trained and tested to recognised and published standards. 

Current position

• Head of Profession (First Aid) monitor's the standard and quality of First Aid training delivery. ELS currently undergoing internal review in conjunction with NPT. The revised package will take into account guidelines issued by UK Resuscitation Council on 1/2/01. 
• This recommendation will be subject of annual review, and therefore remains on going. The process is in place to ensure this review.

Recommendation 49

49. That all police officers, including CID and civilian staff, should be trained in racism awareness and valuing cultural diversity. 

Current position

• A service-wide programme of two day, borough based CRR training involving members of local communities is now in place. The boroughs of Merton, Wandsworth, Ealing, Kingston, Hackney and Southwark have all completed training. Training is ongoing in Newham, Islington, Croydon, Hillingdon, Camden and Redbridge. Training commences in 1/02 at Barnet and Bexley and in 2/02 at Heathrow, Waltham Forest, Enfield and Sutton. The remaining Boroughs commence training in the following order, Bromley and Harrow in 5/02, Havering in June and Barking in 8/02. All boroughs scheduled to be trained by 12/02. To date, 20,633 MPS staff have been trained, representing 54% of those who require training. This figure comprises 18,876 frontline staff, 913 recruits and 844 additional MPS staff. Recruits are now trained at Training School and therefore do not need CRR training upon arrival at Borough Command Units. The MPS is currently training 5% of staff every month. If this rate continues, the MPS will achieve its target of 75% by 3/02. 
• MPS P10 Dept. has developed an Evaluation Strategy for CRR Training which involves interviews with borough Senior Management Teams, students, trainers, associate trainers and public interface volunteers 
• Diversity training is now incorporated into all core training including the Recruit Foundation Course, Detective Training, Management Training, Community Safety Unit Training and Family Liaison Officer Training.

Recommendation 52

52. That the Home Office, together with police services, should publish recognised standards of training aims and objectives in the field of racism awareness and valuing cultural diversity. 

Current position

• The Training and Design Lead Body (TDLB) standards for training have been designed jointly by ACPO, NPT, NACRO and MPS (DTSU). This will work in conjunction with and complement CRR Occupational Standards. CRR Occupational Standards for trainers are currently being piloted and implementation is expected in 4/02. 
• An OFSTED inspected; 3-week diversity training package for trainers has thus far trained 82 police, civil staff and associated trainers. This is the only course of its kind in the U.K. 
• 'Diversity Training CRR Workshop Trainers Guide', which sets aims and objectives for training, after extensive consultation, has now been approved and an updated, inclusive version was incorporated in the 1/01 training 'roll out' 
• This incorporates diversity issues beyond race, to include disability, gender and sexual orientation. 
• The successful piloting of CRR occupational standards has been completed on 3 boroughs, Hammersmith & Fulham, Tower Hamlets and Camden and ratified by ACPO in 4/'01. These standards are now being integrated into all core training. Recruits Training programme now meets the standards for the CRR borough workshop that exempts recruits from attending training delivered on borough for those who have passed out since 10/8/01. Both courses are delivered to the CRR occupational standards. HMIC inspection "Winning Consent" supports MPS standards and recommends National Police Training adopt them.

Recommendation 61

61. That the Home Secretary, in consultation with Police Services, should ensure that a record is made by police officers of all "stops" and "stops and searches" made under any legislative provision (not just the Police and Criminal Evidence Act). Non-statutory or so-called "voluntary" stops must also be recorded. The record to include the reason for the stop, the outcome, and the self-defined ethnic identity of the person stopped. A copy of the record shall be given to the person stopped. 

Current position

• Pilot scheme for new recording format for all police stop activity concluded 5/00. Home Office evaluated their findings and presented them at Warwick seminar 4/10/00. In 3/01, the previous Home Secretary, Rt. Hon. Jack Straw required the Association of Police Authorities to consult with their communities on the implementation of the Recommendation. This consultation process finished on 15/06/01. At the behest of the Rt. Hon. David Blunkett, work is being conducted on the definition of a 'Stop', to be completed in autumn '01. 
• MPS view – fully subscribe to principles of transparency & accountability and agree in principle to Rec.61 but not in its current form. 
• MPS published 'Guidance to the use of Stop & Search' to officers on 29/06/01. An accompanying training package is being rolled out across the MPS. 80% of operational officers to be trained by 4/'02.

Recommendation 62

62. That these records should be monitored and analysed by police services and police authorities, and reviewed by HMIC on inspections. The information and analysis should be published. 

Current position

• The outcomes and results of the pilot sites will be subject to analysis and refinement in consultation with the Home Office (Police Research Series Papers 127-130 refer)

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