Drugs scrutiny

Report: 10
Date: 1 September 2006
By: Chief Executive and Clerk

Summary

This report requests Member endorsement of the terms of reference for the drugs scrutiny.

A. Recommendations

That members approve the terms of reference for the drugs scrutiny.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. In March 2006 Co-ordination and Policing Committee approved the MPA scrutiny programme for 2006/07. This included a commitment to scrutinising the MPS approach to policing drugs.

Scrutiny Panel

2. The scrutiny will be chaired by Richard Sumray. Aneeta Prem, Elizabeth Howlett, Joanne McCartney, Rachel Whittaker and Richard Barnes will sit on the panel.

Objective of the scrutiny

3. The objectives of the scrutiny are to:

• Ensure the MPS has a consistent and coherent strategic approach to combating drugs by undertaking an assessment of the current MPS position with regard to developing and implementing a drugs strategy, including the extent to which it brings together the different levels of drug-related crime This will include:
  • Clarifying the scale of the problem by looking at drug crime from level 1 including drug taking in communities and crack houses, level 2, including the middle market in relation to supply and distribution and level 3 including how MPS links to other organisations to tackle organised criminal networks.
  • Identifying the various approaches such as tackling the culprit rather than the commodity to assess the most effective approach in dealing with drug related criminal activity.
  • Identifying any gaps in the current approach to policing drugs that need to be addressed.
  • Understanding the impact drugs have on Londoners and how the MPS can tackle this through policing.
  • Understanding the role and function of the MPA, MPA link members and the MPS in delivering an effective MPS strategy to tackling drugs and drug related crime.
• Ensure that the response of the directorates within the MPS to emerging intelligence and performance trends is appropriate. We will do this by:
  • Considering the types of performance targets and measures that would assist and drive the MPS to tackle drug related crime particularly in relation to use and supply.
  • Identifying examples of good practice and practical examples of how the approach taken by police can be improved, including understanding the impact that intervention has on people’s lives (users, victims, communities)
  • Identifying the intelligence requirements and capabilities within the MPS (and other agencies), and understanding how these are used in the fight against drugs
  • Reviewing the use of forensics in reducing drug crime and understanding key challenges facing the MPS.
• Ensure that the MPS relationship with other agencies (e.g. SOCA) that are active in this area are robust and that there is clarity in the roles and responsibilities of those agencies. We will do this by:
  • Identifying the partnership arrangements in place between the MPA, MPS and statutory partners to reduce demand and prevent drug related crime.
  • Establishing the role and function of CDRPs in tackling drug related crime in the local community
  • Clarifying the link between MPS and education services to undertake preventative work in relation to drugs
  • Identifying the role and impact of the criminal justice system and probation in tackling drug related crime including treatment and support programmes that are available such as, drug intervention programmes, drug treatment and testing orders.

4. A full version of the terms of reference are attached at Appendix 1

C. Race and equality impact

Equality and diversity implications will be assessed as an integral part of the review and key areas of disproportionality such as fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for cannabis possession will be investigated.

D. Financial implications

No additional financial costs have been identified although the opportunity cost in officer time has been estimated at one third of a full time equivalent post for one year.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Siobhan Coldwell, Head of Scrutiny and Review, MPA.

For more information contact:

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

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