Introduction of name badges

Report: 4
Date: 20 October 2003
By: Clerk and Treasurer

Summary

This report provides an update to members about the progress made in introducing name badges for all Metropolitan Police staff, both police officers and police staff, who wear a uniform and have contact with the public.

A. Recommendation

1. That the members note the content of this report

B. Supporting information

Background

1. The MPA have previously considered the introduction of name badges at the Co-ordination and Policing Committee on 24 January and at the Human Resources (HR) Committee on 3 April 2003. At the HR Committee meeting, members received an update about the policy development and consultation process. It was decided that a Velcro patch should fix the name badge and that the badge should comprise of the officer’s or police staff member’s rank and family name.

2. A process of consultation was undertaken with the Superintendents Association and trade unions at two meetings convened specifically for that purpose, namely 2 April and 20 May 2003. The views of the Police Staff Support Associations were also sought at AC Hogan-Howe’s meeting on 11 March 2003 and advice sought from DLS, particularly in respect of the PACE provisions. As a result, a corporate policy was subsequently developed. Uniform Services also conducted a survey about the style and context of the badge. The overwhelming majority stated that they would prefer the badge to contain rank and family name. The policy is now ready for publication.

3. All clothing contracts have now been amended to have the Velcro receiving patch attached to all upper garments. These are now being received. Nominal roles for all operational uniform staff have been obtained and orders have been put in place for two name badges per officer. Name badges for ACPO officers and Chief Superintendents have also been ordered and are available for issue.

4. Arrangements are also in hand for Uniform Services’ tailors to attach Velcro patches to the tunic, shirts, high visibility over jacket, pullovers, Metvest, overt cover and anoraks of all ACPO officer and Chief Superintendents.

5. It was intended that, in the absence of additional funds, the roll out programme would be commensurate with the garment replacement programme (3-4 years). However, Territorial Policing (TP) have expressed concern about the order of the roll out. Initially, it was envisaged that all new recruits would be issued with name badges and existing staff would wear name badges when the uniform had been issued with the receiving patch. There is concern that our most inexperienced and vulnerable officers would be identified, as they are the only staff wearing name badges. TP would prefer Territorial Support Group and Traffic Officers to be the first to wear name badges but this approach would require additional funds. HR and TP are currently exploring options for a more focused roll out programme commencing with our more experienced and high profile officers.

6. No additional costs have been incurred in changing the clothing contracts and all the above actions have been paid for. Additionally, no further costs will be incurred if the roll out programme is commensurate with the garment replacement programme (3-4 years). Various options have been considered to speed up the roll out programme. It would be possible for all front line officers (22,700 police, traffic wardens and police staff) to wear a name badge within 1 year – 18 months. The options considered by Uniform Services together with the costs of each option are contained at Appendix 1. The most viable option to speed up the roll out programme, which would involve a contractor fixing a patch on each garment, would cost £230k. The value of this contract suggests that it will need to be subject to an EU tender. If funds can be identified there will be a lead in time to put the contract in place. Additional staff will be required for the duration of the contract in order to handle the logistics of altering approximately 400,000 garments.

7. However, it is unlikely in the present financial climate that additional funds can be identified, particularly in view of the present need to make budget savings.

Next steps

8. The name badge policy will be published in October. This will indicate the MPS’ intention for all uniformed staff to wear name badges. Garments with the receiving patch will be issued to recruits from the September intake. They can also be issued with two badges containing their rank and family name but will be instructed not to wear the name badge until authority is given. TP will consider at which point of the roll out programme it will be appropriate for probationers to wear name badges.

9. Name badges for ACPO ranks and Chief Superintendents (127 officers) can be achieved through patches affixed by Uniform Services’ tailors. This can be put in place at no additional cost and will help endorse support for the policy at our most senior level. Management Board will consider the most appropriate time for this to take place. An update will be given to members at the COP meeting on 20 October 2003.

C. Equality and diversity implications

The DOIT team were consulted about the draft policy, as it is inevitable that diversity issues will arise. It will be necessary to monitor the roll out programme to ensure that no individual or group of staff is disadvantaged.

D. Financial implications

As set out in point 6 and in Appendix 1.

E. Background papers

Existing Committee reports referred to above.

F. Contact details

Report author: Michael Shurety, Director of HR Services, MPS.

For more information contact:

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

Appendix 1

Financial options

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