MPA scrutinies in 2003

Report: 4
Date: 07 Feb 03
By: Clerk

Summary

This report sets out options for the next MPA formal scrutiny. The options are based on informal feedback from members received to-date and also on consideration of recent publications. Members are invited to select a topic for scrutiny and to nominate, or seek nominations, for membership of the scrutiny panel.

A. Recommendations

That:

1. members consider and select the next topic for formal MPA scrutiny; and
2. nominate the chair and/or membership of a scrutiny panel consisting of three to six members in total.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. The remit of Co-ordination and Policing Committee includes considering and agreeing, subject to any guidance from the full Authority, a rolling programme of reviews (scrutinies). This includes, for each review, agreeing its scope, expenditure, membership and timescale. Two scrutinies have been completed to-date concerning rape investigation/victim care plus crime and disorder reduction partnerships.

2. On 24 January 2003 the Committee endorsed a proposal from the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board to scrutinise aspects of MPS practice and performance of stop and search. This work is being taken forward by MPA consultation and diversity officers, supported with advice from other officers and, potentially, an external research student.

3. In endorsing this approach the Committee noted that a further report would be presented setting out other options for scrutinies. This report sets out the views of members as well as suggesting other topics based on recent publications and initiatives. In selecting a topic for scrutiny members are advised that experience so far suggests the following principles represent ‘good practice’:

• ensure the MPA’s role plus experience of members can add value;
• tightly define the scrutiny’s objective(s) and scope;
• focus on issues which are ‘actionable’ by the MPS;
• clear and significant member involvement;
• dedicated officer support.

Members’ views on scrutiny topics

4. A number of topics for scrutiny have been suggested recently by members informally and are set out below (in alphabetical order).

• Autocrime
  Prompted in part by imperatives in the National Policing Plan and current performance against medium-term targets.
• Gun crime
  Prompted in part by the growing trend in gun crime and the increased frequency with which guns including replicas are carried. (NB: The GLA is considering hosting a multi-agency conference to discuss this issue but no formal plans as yet for a scrutiny by the GLA Public Services Committee.)
• Human trafficking
  Prompted in part by the growing trend and its links with serious and organised crime (as previously reported to members).
• Murder reduction
  Prompted in part by feedback from HMIC plus recommendations following the Damilola Taylor Murder Investigation Review. (NB: Recommendations in the process of being addressed by the MPS.)
• Retention and promotion
  Prompted in part by the need to improve retention and assessing the role promotion practices play in this. (NB: Human Resources Committee on 6 February 2003 is being asked to endorse concluding the best value review of retention to focus effort on implementing the MPS retention strategy.)

Other options for scrutiny topics

5. Members wishing to consider other topics are referred to report 14 presented to Planning, Performance and Review Committee on 9 January 2003. Appendices 1 – 6 of that report set out other programmes / imperatives that members may wish to see addressed via a scrutiny. These appendices list:

• the original programme of MPA best value reviews;
• the remit of MPS strategic committees;
• areas of MPS senior management responsibility;
• services reviewed by other police authorities;
• key imperatives within the National Policing Plan;
• the joint programme of efficiency and effectiveness reviews.

6. Finally, following consideration of HMIC’s draft MPS inspection report, members may wish to consider a scrutiny related either to performance management, MPS organisational structure or intelligence-led policing. Members are advised that HMIC’s final report is awaiting publication so any detailed discussion will need to take place in closed-session.

Next steps

7. Regardless of the topic proposed for scrutiny there will be a need to select members to chair and form the scrutiny panel. This will facilitate the process of clarifying the scrutiny’s scope and the need or otherwise for non-MPA membership. Members will be aware that the scrutiny process is time-intensive and a panel consisting of three to six members is considered appropriate. The Committee may wish to seek nominations from all MPA members once the topic of the scrutiny has been agreed.

8. A report outlining the specific objective(s), scope and plan for the scrutiny will be presented for approval following initial research and consultation with lead members plus MPS representatives. Part of this initial work will need to assess the implications of and for other recent, ongoing or impending audit, inspection and review activity.

C. Equality and diversity implications

The process of developing objectives and scope will also clarify the role of the scrutiny in addressing specific equality and diversity implications.

D. Financial implications

It is planned to carry out the scrutiny within existing MPA resources. Any proposal for additional resources will be presented to members for approval.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Derrick Norton

For more information contact:

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

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback