Implementation Of Recommendation 61 Of The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry

Report:10b
Date: 02 September 2004
By: Clerk

Summary

This report updates on the extent to which the implementation in Hackney and Tower Hamlets of Recommendation 61 is promoting trust and confidence in the police and on the plans for the proposed London-wide implementation of Recommendation 61 in October 2004.

A. Recommendations

Members are asked to note the progress, in conjunction with the report from the Commissioner at Item 10a.

B. Supporting information

 London wide roll out of Recommendation 61

Training

1. The MPS is continuing with the Computer Based Training (CBT) programme, which will deliver the practical aspects of Rec 61 training for all patrol officers. Members will note that the timetable for the training is anticipated to have an impact on the implementation date (paragraph 8 of Agenda Item 10a.

2. The CBT for supervisors is also being progressed but the MPS have not given an undertaking to roll this out at this time. The supervision of officers and the way they carry out their duties is vital to the success of the rollout and an early indication of the timescale for this training will be welcome.

Local monitoring

3. A joint consultation event was hosted by the MPA &MPS on 2 August 2004 at the MPA offices. This was well attended by MPA members, various Race Equalities Councils, CPCGs and other organisations. 54 people in all contributed to some lively debate on the best way to set up effective monitoring groups. Those who came clearly found the evening informative and rewarding.

4. It proved difficult, however, to identify and attract to the meeting, community group representatives other that members of Community Police Consultative Groups. This lack of community involvement is echoed within the two pilot sites, Hackney and Tower Hamlets, where the community input to the groups has substantially diminished.

5. To compensate in the short term for such lack of community involvement, the Roll Out Group have asked the MPS to undertake the initial support of local monitoring groups at what they have described as a ‘Bronze’ level. This would be a monitoring group that would be supported and, may probably chaired by the MPS with meetings held at MPS sites/venue. However, this is recognised as not being an ideal solution and may not deliver the hoped for levels of independence.

6. The intention of the Roll Out Group is that local monitoring groups should become more independent as the progress develops but they recognise that this may not be the case in all boroughs, particularly where the issues which led to Rec 61 are not at the top of the local agenda.

External Publicity

7. The MPA has commissioned a publicity company, Creative Realisations, to handle the publicity for the roll-out. They have designed and developed an advertising trailer for campaigning Recommendation 61 and Stop and Search. The trailer displays are eye catching with large representations that mimic the ‘Know your Rights’ leaflet and will be on display at a number of London events and festivals over the summer perioda mock up of the displays will be available at the meeting). The events are being staffed by a mix of MPA & MPS staff and will provide an opportunity for the public to enquire about forthcoming changes and to obtain copies of the Know your Rights leaflets in a number of languages. A copy of the current schedule of events is attached as Appendix 1.

Internal Publicity

8. The MPS is currently developing a series of informative leaflets and posters for internal use with its staff. Copies will be circulated to members as soon as they are available.

9. The MPS reported that they would be using the innovative system of publicising the Rec 61 changes on staff pay slips, as a way guaranteed to attract substantial readership.

10. The MPA & MPS are looking into the feasibility of holding an event to introduce borough officers leading on the roll out of Rec 61 to meet with MPA Link members, pass on copies of the latest publicity materials and methods of setting up and progressing a successful local Monitoring Group.

Publicity for Roll Out Launch

11. The publicity company, ‘Creative Realisation’ are currently in negotiation with MTV to establish a venue for the roll out of the launch on 5 October. This will be accessible to members and the public and will attain a high media profile.

C. Race and equality impact

Under the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, stop/search and the implementation of Recommendation 61 need to be the subject of a Race Equality Impact Assessment. Initial findings have already highlighted that there is high adverse impact on Black and Minority Ethnic males.. A summary of the Impact Assessments being carried out on each borough will be made available to the relevant MPA link members when these become available.

D. Financial implications

The one off revenue costs for the advertising trailer and the associated events staffing are anticipated to be of the order of £33,000 in the current year. These costs will be contained within the existing MPA budgets. It is anticipated that any additional costs incurred when the venue for the rollout is agreed will also be contained within existing budgets.

E. Background papers

none

F. Contact details

Report author: Cynthia Coleman and Peter Day

For more information contact:

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

Appendix 1

Recommendation 61 Publicity Trailer

Venues & Dates And Staffing

*Non-Bold=provisionally booked

Appendix 2

Trailer Designs

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