Minutes

Minutes of the Co-ordination and Policing Committee held on 20 October 2003 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Toby Harris (Chair)
• Jennette Arnold
• Reshard Auladin
• Richard Barnes (Deputy Chair)
• Cindy Butts
• Richard Sumray
• Rachel Whittaker

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Clerk)
• David Riddle (Deputy Clerk)
• Peter Martin (Treasurer)
• Nick Baker (Head of Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Sir Ian Blair (Deputy Commissioner)

Part 1

24. Apologies for absence

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Elizabeth Howlett, Nicholas Long, R. David Muir, Sir John Quinton, Graham Tope and Cecile Wright.

25. Declarations of interest

(Agenda item 2)

No declarations of interest were made.

26. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2003.

Arising from the minutes, it was noted that three members, Lynne Featherstone, Jenny Jones and Diana Johnson, had indicated an interest in the position of MPA lead member for the Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU). Following a vote it was agreed to appoint Diana Johnson as lead member for TOCU.

Resolved – That

1. the minutes of the meeting of the Co-ordination and Policing Committee held on 3 October 2003 be agreed and signed as a correct record; and
2. Diana Johnson be appointed as MPA lead member for the TOCU.

27. Introduction of name badges

(Agenda item 4)

The Committee received a report that gave an update about the progress made in introducing name badges for all metropolitan police staff, both police officers and police staff.

The MPS reported that a process of consultation had taken place with the Superintendents Association and trade unions. Details of results of a survey about style and context of the badge were outlined and it was noted that the majority preferred a badge to contain rank and family name.

Members were informed that clothing contracts had been amended to incorporate a ‘velcro receiving patch’ for the name badges and that arrangements were in hand for uniform services tailors to attach the same patches to tunics, shirts, high visibility over jackets Metvests and other clothing. It was confirmed that no additional costs have been incurred in changing the clothing contracts and no further costs will be incurred if the roll out programme is commensurate with the garment replacement programme.

The Committee considered options to speed up the roll out programme, in order for all front line staff (including traffic wardens and police staff) to wear a name badge within 1 year-18 months. Members supported the option (4, at Appendix 1 to the report) for the contractor to collect, process and return garments).

Member requested that future reports on this and similar issues incorporate health and safety implications.

Resolved – That

1. the report be noted; and
2. option 4, as given at Appendix 1 to the report, be supported in the roll out of name badges.

28. Charging for policing of events

(Agenda item 5)

Members received a report, which outlined the need to establish a clear policy basis for charging for the policing of private events following which practical and legal issues could be considered.

It was noted that this issue had to some degree been considered as part of the efficiency and effectiveness review of income generation undertaken by Accenture in February 2002. Member supported the proposed review and the proposed terms of reference. It was agreed that any review should remain focused on policing of private events, but acknowledged that avoidance of other issues was inevitable during such a review.

The Deputy Commissioner requested that as part of the review, consideration be given to the effects of the introduction of the Licensing Bill.

A request was made for members to direct the review with the support MPA and MPS officers and that the review report back to the Committee by the April 2004.

Resolved – That Jennette Arnold, Jenny Jones, Richard Sumray and Rachel Whittaker direct a review of policing of private events with support from MPA and MPS officers, with a report back to CoP by the end of this financial year.

29. Exclusion of press and public

The Clerk informed the committee of an urgent item of business and that this item should be considered as an exempt item.

The Chair agreed to accept this item as urgent on the grounds of a decision was required by the Committee in order for the Clerk to undertake in mediation discussions later that week.

A resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting during item 6 as it was likely to disclose exempt information as described in Schedule 12(a) (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Resolved – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of agenda item 6.

Part 2

Summary of exempt item

30. Urgent business

(Agenda item 6)

The Committee considered issues relating to a mediation case.

The meeting ended at 1.20 p.m.

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