Islamic community safety

Report: 12
Date: 1 May 2003
By: Commissioner

Summary

After 11 September 2001 the Diversity Directorate (DCC4) took the lead on community reassurance for the Metropolitan Police Service. The lessons learnt from that operation are being applied to meet the concerns of the Islamic community during the current Iraq conflict. A structure for monitoring incidents and intelligence reports exists and has been augmented to ensure that proper assessment of community fear and tension is made.

A. Recommendation

The Board is asked note the contents of this report.

B. Supporting information

Overview

1. The MPS response to Islamic community concerns regarding the conflict in Iraq builds on experience of reassurance work undertaken after 11 September 2001.

2. A number of processes and systems supported by extensive consultation with both the community and other agencies have been put in place:

• A structure for monitoring incidents and intelligence reports exists and has been augmented to ensure that proper assessment of community fear and tension is made.
• Weekly meetings take place, hosted by DCC4, involving all London’s police forces (British Transport, City of London and Royal Parks) and other units from within MPS.
• Information received is linked to all police intelligence units, both within the MPS and nationally.
• Borough Liaison Officers have been tasked by DCC4 to establish new links and develop existing links with Muslim and Asian communities.
• Centrally, DCC4 meets with the Muslim Safety Forum, Asylum Seeker groups, the Sikh Contact Group and the Hindu Contact Group.
• A multi-language helpline is being established within DCC4

3. Currently, Islamophobic incidents are low in number and seriousness; about 30% of incidents connected with the Iraq conflict are also racist; the biggest increase in racist incidents are anti-Semitic.

Specific information

4. After 11 September 2001 DCC4 led for the police service on community reassurance. The lessons learned from that operation are being applied to the Iraq conflict.

Monitoring

5. The Intelligence Cell and Analysis Section (ICAS) of DCC4 routinely monitors all racist and religiously aggravated offences. A daily bulletin is produced that includes significant incidents and a digest of ‘open source’ material (newspapers, websites and other sources). The bulletin is disseminated throughout the MPS.

6. ICAS monitor information through the use of a flagging scheme. In addition to racist and religiously aggravated incident flags, new flags have been created to highlight incidents perceived to be connected with conflict in Iraq. This information is incorporated within the daily bulletin.

7. The work of ICAS supports other intelligence units both inside and outside the MPS.

8. In London, the picture shown by the monitoring activity described above then assists commanders within London to make decisions regarding reassurance activity and police deployments.

9. The Community Tensions Sub-Group involves a range of police forces in London as well as key units of the MPS. Its purpose is to ensure that there is consistency of information being received within the police services in London. It also serves to circulate good practice and creates a network of police staff engaged in reassurance activity.

10. All boroughs have been proactive in establishing community links and developing old links. The first briefings on conflict in Iraq were held in November 2002. The events were hosted by DCC4 and addressed by AC Veness. Borough Liaison Officers were tasked to review their links and report activity on a template. DCC4 carried out quality assurance of the templates and circulated the good practice gleaned.

11. There has been continuing contact with BLOs to ensure that DCC4 is supporting them as much as possible. The latest meeting was on 1st April 2003.

12. Centrally, DCC4 has been meeting with its four faith groups on a regular basis. The Muslim Safety Forum meets monthly at New Scotland Yard. The Forum was offered the opportunity to receive a briefing on implications within two days of the start of conflict although this offer was declined. The next meeting of the Forum is on 16 April. Sub-group meetings have taken place at which members were invited to express concerns about community tension. No specific issues have been raised.

13. A multi-language 24 hour helpline is in the process of being established. The helpline is to be run by DCC4 staff, supported by Language Line, a company that will give access to around 200 languages. The helpline will give advice and referrals. It will also be able to summon immediate assistance when required. It will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the duration of the war. Its effectiveness will be continually reviewed.

14. All issues connected with security of London are co-ordinated through Security Review Committee meetings, chaired by AC Veness. DCC4 is represented at these meetings.

Racist/religiously aggravated incidents

15. The general trend for racially and religiously aggravated offences is steady. Offences of Islamophobia are at a very low level of both severity and numbers. Racist incidents are steady.

16. Of those incidents identified as being connected to the Iraq conflict, about 30% are also flagged as being racist. The majority of the total incidents relate to public order events – information about planned events and incidents that have happened at events.

17. There has been an increase in anti-Semitic incidents and DCC4 has been in close contact with the Community Security Trust regarding this increase.

Race Relations (Amendment) Act

18. Activity to reassure communities during conflict in Iraq clearly promotes good race relations. Organisations that espouse racist or anti-religious sentiments are monitored and action taken when offences come to light. The activities of a range of groups are also monitored in case they use democratic processes as an opportunity to foment community tension.

Conclusion

19. There are well-developed structures within the MPS to monitor community tensions and respond to those tensions should they emerge. Presently, there is no evidence of increased tension in Muslim and Asian communities. The structures of the MPS link in to those outside of London. All UK police services are working in a co-ordinated fashion to prevent racist or religiously aggravated incidents happening.

C. Equality and diversity implications

Activity to reassure London’s communities supports the obligation on public authorities to improve race relations.

D. Financial implications

None.

E. Background papers

None.

F. Contact details

Report author:  Detective Chief Inspector David Tucker, Diversity Directorate

For more information contact:

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

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback