Public attitude survey

Report: 6
Date: 31 October 2002
By: Commissioner

Summary

The Consultation Committee of 4 July 2002 agreed a review of the Public Attitude Survey (PAS). The review identified where improvements could be made and how the PAS could be better utilised within the overall consultation strategy. Members are asked to comment on the outcome of the review and approve the proposed way forward.

A. Recommendations

That

Members note and support the areas for improvement, but hold any decisions pending the completion of the Consultation Strategy.

B. Supporting information

1. On 28 August 2002 a workshop was held to review the Public Attitude Survey (PAS). The following were represented: MPA Members and officers, Borough Operational Command Units (BOCUs), Directorate of Public Affairs, Diversity Directorate, Performance Information Bureau and Corporate Planning, Corporate Performance Unit. The MPS Consultancy Group facilitated the workshop.

2. The MPS/MPA Consultation Strategy is currently being re drafted therefore the outcomes of this review should be viewed as options for possible use under the strategy rather than definitive actions. An action plan will be devised after completion of the strategy.

Outcome of the review

3. The review identified areas for improvement that fall into three broad categories:

• driving the PAS forward;
• maximising the value of the PAS;
• using consultation for action.

These are explained in more detail below

Driving the PAS forward Update on consultation paper

4. The following was identified:

• the MPS needs to increase the activity linked to the findings of the PAS at both service and BOCU level;
• a clear role for Territorial Policing HQ needs to be identified in this process;
• the PAS needs a champion to drive activity resulting from the PAS findings and to hold people to account;
• the role of the GLA consultation network in how joint working can be implemented needs to be fully explored.

Maximising the Value of the PAS

5. The following are areas that the PAS could possibly be used for:

• identify what Londoners think we should be doing, what should our priorities be;
• ask Londoners how we should do it;
• review and monitor our performance (actual and perceived) both at a local and a corporate level;
• identify how Londoners perceive their relations with the police service (a measurement of trust and confidence in the police service);
• identify whether the community wants to get involved in policing, do they feel engaged;
• to identify the impact of large policing operations such as Safer Streets on communities;
• to be able to link into the planning cycle in a culture that concentrates heavily on short term issues;
• to enable linkage into areas such as Human Resources and the Diversity Directorate to create a sustainable cycle of activity for the medium and the long term;
• to fulfil statutory requirements, for example measuring BVPIs;
• to measure public perception against out Mission, Vision and Values.

Using Consultation For Action

6. The following functionality would be required:

• to provide trend information;
• to provide a snap shot of public attitudes;
• to provide real time information which has a shelf life;
• to provide comparable data (e.g. across Boroughs);
• to provide representative data;
• that people felt confident in the data produced (adequate sample size, appropriate representation by those consulted);
• to enable segmentation.

Possible models for future use of the PAS

7. The review identified two models for use of the PAS. They would form part of a strategic level approach to consultation and would need to be integrated into the consultation strategy. The models are not exclusive.

Model 1: Specific issue drill down

Step 1

Anecdotes or informal consultation identify areas of concern to the MPS or MPA.

Step 2

A PAS is commissioned through informed direction at a steering group with an MPA chair

Step 3

 The PAS confirms or rebuts the extent of the area of concern with quantitative data.

Step 4

More detailed investigation of the area of concern is carried out using the most appropriate qualitative consultation method e.g. focus group or citizens panel.

Model 2: Identifying strategic issues

Step 1

A PAS is commissioned through informed direction at a steering group with an MPA chair to provide quantitative data on big issues.

Step 2

Analysis of the PAS and other data across boroughs and monitoring of trends informs local and strategic decision making.

Next steps

8. The PAS and the GLA London Household Survey will be compared to identify areas of duplication. The aim of this is to see where efficiency savings can be made, perhaps allowing the PAS to be refocused. As the consultation strategy is developed, the options outlined above will be considered for inclusion or otherwise to maximise the use and benefits of the PAS.

C. Equal opportunities and diversity implications

There are no identified equalities and race relations implications.

D. Financial implications

The PAS will cost £186,000 this year. This will be met from existing budgets. Whether these proposals will incur extra costs cannot yet be determined until they are finalised within the consultation strategy. 

E. Background papers

• Report 10 Consultation Committee 4/7/02

F. Contact details

Report author: Chas Bailey, Superintendent MPS Consultation Unit

For more information contact:

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

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