HMIC inspection 2007/09 phase

Report: 6
Date: 14 February 2008
By: Director of Strategy Modernisation and Performance Directorate on behalf of the Commissioner

Summary

This report outlines the findings of the HMIC Phase One inspection programme published in Oct 2007 and the MPS response to the recommendations made.

A. Recommendation

That Members note the report.

B. Supporting information

Findings and recommendations

1. Following the inspection in 2006 of 27 frameworks as part of the Baseline Assessment process, HMIC has adopted a phased inspection programme over 2007/09. This focuses on a number of protective services, with the first phase, which took place between March and June 2007. This phase involved the inspection of the following three frameworks:

• Neighbourhood Policing;
• Protecting Vulnerable People (encompassing Child Abuse Investigation, Public Protection, Missing Persons and Domestic Violence); and
• Performance Management.

2. A report detailing the findings from all three inspected frameworks was published in October 2007, in conjunction with the PPAF gradings. The respective MPS grades were as follows:

Table 1: Inspected frameworks - MPS grades October 2007

3. As a comparison, the national gradings were as follows:

Table 2: Inspected frameworks - national grades

Neighbourhood Policing

4. The MPS received an Excellent grading for this framework. In the report, HMIC identified that there has been significant progress in the delivery of Safer Neighbourhood Teams across London, with the MPS now having coverage in each of 624 wards and having introduced an enhanced level of coverage in 87 wards. HMIC also acknowledged that “this focus on delivery reflects the importance placed on the SN programme to the policing of London by the Commissioner with the explicit support of the Mayor of London and the Government”.

5. There were four recommendations made in the report, of which full details are attached at Appendix 1. In addition, ten areas for improvement (AFIs) were also identified, some of which were linked directly to the recommendations.

Protecting Vulnerable People

6. The MPS received a Fair grading overall for this framework. In the report HMIC identify that the protecting vulnerable people and the servicing public protection requirements is a high risk area of operation for the MPS generated by the level and extent of the range of activities undertaken across all four elements. They also recognise that the MPS has striven to develop and implement clear strategy and direction to those charged with service delivery and performance management both centrally and at BOCU level.

7. In respect of the Protecting Vulnerable People framework overall, there were four recommendations and eight areas for improvement identified.

8. In respect of the area of Child Abuse Investigation for which the MPS was graded Good, there was one recommendation and three AFIs identified in the report.

9. In respect of the area of Public Protection for which the MPS was graded Fair, there was one recommendation and five AFIs.

10. In respect of the area of Domestic Violence for which the MPS was graded Fair, there was one recommendation and seven AFIs.

11. In respect of the area of Missing Persons, for which the MPS was graded Fair, there were two recommendations and five AFIs.

12. Full details of all recommendations made in this framework are attached at Appendix 2.

Performance Management

13. The MPS received a Good grading for this framework. In the report, HMIC recognise that the MPS has demonstrated strong performance against many of the priorities and targets set by the MPA during 2006/7. They acknowledge that there has been a notable achievement in crime reduction with recorded offences falling to the lowest annual crime figure since 1998/99 and offences brought to justice being at the highest ever level, with the HO target achieved a year ahead of schedule. They also identify that gun enabled crime reduced in 2006/7 by 11.3% and the number of violent crimes reduced by 6.1%. In addition, the report also stated “notwithstanding the overall good performance on violent crime the MPS acknowledge public concern regarding recent attacks involving young people and are tackling such crimes with a particular focus on gangs.”

14. There were three recommendations of which full details are attached at Appendix 3. In addition, ten AFIs were identified in the report, some of which are directly linked to the recommendations.

MPS Response

15. Following publication of the HMIC report, action plans have been created for all of the recommendations and the AFIs in each framework. This process is being managed by the Inspection Liaison and Analysis Unit (ILAU) and to enable progress to be continually monitored, business leads are being required to provide details on the activity to address and implement these recommendations and AFIs on a regular basis. Updates on the progress of this activity are then being provided to Performance Board.

16. To validate the evidence provided, the MPS Inspectorate will be inspecting the activity on both the recommendations and AFIs, in advance of any further work to be undertaken by HMIC.

17. In addition, activity on the implementation of the recommendations and AFIs on the Protecting Vulnerable People framework is also being managed through the MPS Public Protection Steering Group (PPSG). This group consisting of members from TP Violent Crime Directorate, Specialist Crime Directorate, Strategy Modernisation and Performance Directorate, the ILAU and the MPA, identifies the activity to be undertaken, in alignment with corporate strategies in this area and tasks accordingly.

18. Following an invitation from the MPS, HMIC have agreed to re-visit the Protecting Vulnerable People framework in approximately October/November 2008. This will provide an opportunity for the MPS to demonstrate the continuing progress being made in this area and to achieve improved gradings.

19. Good practice and learning from other forces has been identified in the Performance Management and Protecting Vulnerable People frameworks. Details of which have been circulated to Performance Board, the PSSG, business leads and practitioners with a view to sharing information and to assist in achieving improved gradings, where required. In addition, the ILAU are in regular contact with other forces to share learning and feedback on the HMIC inspection processes in general.

20. Neighbourhood Policing is due to be re-inspected during the second phase of the HMIC inspection programme commencing in the MPS in early March 2008. This will also encompass an inspection of Citizen Focus, for which the MPS received a Fair grading in the 2006 Baseline Assessment. Work is currently being undertaken in preparation for this inspection, with support being provided to the respective business groups by the ILAU.

21. To identify common themes on the recommendations and areas for improvement from all three frameworks and other inspection activity previously undertaken, the ILAU is also currently conducting trend analysis. When completed, this information will be shared with Performance Board, business leads, practitioners and internal inspection partners to highlight any potential areas of vulnerability and to ensure that these areas are addressed prior to any future external inspection activity.

C. Race and equality impact

Any diversity and equality implications will form part of the HMIC inspection reports. In addition, race and equality matters will be addressed through implementation of the recommendations made in the respective HMIC inspection frameworks.

D. Financial implications

Any financial implications will form part of the HMIC inspection reports. In addition, financial matters will be addressed through implementation of the recommendations made in the respective HMIC inspection frameworks.

E. Background papers

None

F. Contact details

Report author: Julie Buckingham, MPS Inspection Liaison and Analysis Unit (ILAU)

For more information contact:

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

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback