Minutes

Minutes of the Professional Standards and Complaints Committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 9 December 2004 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Reshard Auladin (Chair)
• Tony Arbour
• Jenny Jones
• Karim Murji (Deputy Chair)

MPA officers

• David Riddle (Deputy Clerk)
• Alan Johnson (Head of Human Resources and Professional Standards)
• Nick Baker (Head of Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Steve Roberts (Director of Professional Standards)
• Carl Bussey (Directorate of Professional Standards)
• Maxine De Brunner (Directorate of Professional Standards)
• Steve Gwilliam (Directorate of Professional Standards)

Also present: Mehmuda Mian Pritchard (IPCC)

Part 1

19. Apologies

(Agenda item 1)

Apologies for absence were received from Damian Hockney, Elizabeth Howlett and Richard Sumray

20. Declarations of interests from members of the Committee

(Agenda item 2)

No declarations of interests were given by members.

21. Minutes

(Agenda item 3)

The Committee received the minutes of the Professional Standards and Complaints Committee meeting held on 7 October (Part 1).

Resolved – That the minutes of the Professional Standards and Complaints Committee meeting held on 7 October 2004 (Part 1).

22. Chair’s and Members’ update

(Agenda item 4)

No updates were made.

23. Complaints management information

(Agenda item 5)

The Committee received a report that gave data for the 12 months to October 2004.

It was reported that, public complaints had declined by approximately 3% in the rolling 12 months November 2002 to October 2004 (in comparison with the same period for 2002 – 2003). Live public complaint cases under investigation had increased by 2% from 476 cases to 485 and complaint investigations over 120-days from 117 (25%) to 98 (20%) had decreased. Member noted the approximate 10 % rise in the percentage of allegations being locally resolved from November 2003 to October 2004, as were the average number of days between the decision to hold a misconduct hearing and the hearing itself (reduced by 35%).

The MPS reported that relationships between the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) were working well and that the development of strategy guidelines would benefit in the reduction of timeliness issues of complaints.

It was reported that the IPCC were in the process of developing and training of caseworkers outside of London and it was anticipated that this would also have a positive benefit and provide a more timely resolution of complaints.

Members noted the research commissioned by the MPS Directorate of Professional Standards by the Institute Of Criminology at Cambridge University into the disproportionate representation of black people amongst complainants. It was agreed that emerging findings of this research should be presented to members once the research was concluded, and that an update on progress be given at the next meeting a report on its finding be presented to a future meting.

The Chair in welcoming the report highlighted the need for further validation of complaints and in particular further work on easing the process of making a complaint. It was noted that the IPCC were undertaking work in this area and it was suggested that to avoid duplication relating to this matter should be forwarded to the MPA/MPS for information.

Resolved – That

1. members note the report and the illustration of trends given at Appendix 1 of the report; and
2. an update be given at the next meeting on the research work being undertaken by Cambridge University.

24. Local resolution of complaints

(Agenda item 6)

Members received a report that outlined the implementation process by the MPS of the development of local resolution of complaints. The process took account of new legislation that changed working practise by line mangers tasked with dealing with public complaints.

Members discussed the variations borough by borough of local resolutions and arising from this agreed that the Committee should undertake the monitoring and quality assure of local resolutions. It was suggested that this work could be developed by the MPA in conjunction with the IPCC.

Clarification was given to the role of the Directorate of Professional Standards in the local resolution process, particularly those that may involve criminal allegations. However, it was stressed that this involvement would not be to the detriment of the local resolution process and would be done in consultation with the IPCC.

Resolved – That the report be noted.

25. MPS professional standards strategy progress on strand 1

(Agenda item 7)

Members received a report that provided an update of Strand 1 of the MPS Professional Standards Strategy, which focuses on Leadership, Supervision and Standard Adherence.

Resolved – That the progress on Strand 1 of the MPS Professional Standards Strategy, Leadership, Supervision and Standard Adherence.

26. Professional standards strategy strand 2

(Agenda item 8)

The Committee received an oral update on the Professional Standards Strategy Strand 2, which dealt with protection of information systems.

It was reported that a High Technical Crime Unit had been established and was now operational. The working arrangements within the Department of Information were outlined.

It was agreed that a report be presented to a future meeting of the Committee on the monitoring of incorrect use of data/equipment.

Resolved – That the report be noted and a report on monitoring of appropriate use of data/equipment be presented to a future meeting of the Committee.

27. Review of suspensions and restriction policy

(Agenda item 9)

The Committee received a report that updated members on the review of the Suspensions and Restrictions Policy that applies to officers under investigation for criminal and misconduct matters. In particular, the report highlighted specific recommendations regarding the application of the current regulations and the terminology used to describe the status of officers under investigation.

The MPS informed members that, the Police Federation had requested some minor amendments to the report and subject to these amendments, it was noted that they supported the policy:

In relation to deaths in custody, the MPS stated that the policy would have to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Members agreed that they should receive further reports on the development of the policy and agreed that in the first instance these should be heard in close session if reference is made to specific cases. It was also agreed that the MPS must develop race and equality impacts for reports.

The Director of Professional Standards, Steve Roberts clarified some of the terminology in the report relating to domestic violence and sexual conduct, highlighting the complexity of these issues.

Members, in supporting the policy also suggested that it include a duty to communicate decisions taken to members of the public involved in such cases.

Resolved – That

1. members note the revised MPS restriction/suspensions policy which the Commissioner intends to implement forthwith.
2. a report on suspensions and restriction policy be presented to each meeting in order for the Authority to maintain its oversight role.

28. Exclusion of press and public

(Agenda item 10)

A resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting during items 11 to 15 as it was likely to disclose exempt information as described in Schedule 12(a) (1 and 14) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Resolved – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of agenda items 11 to 15.

Summary of exempt items

29. Anti corruption command

(Agenda item 11)

Members considered a report on the work of the Anti Corruption Command.

30. MPS strategic intelligence assessment on professional standards issues

(Agenda item 12)

The Committee received a report that outlined the MPS Strategic intelligence assessment on professional standard issues.

31. Summary of exceptional and significant cases

(Agenda item 14)

A report was received that summarised exceptional and significant results.

32. Quality assurance checks re reporting complaints against the police

(Agenda item 15)

Members considered the results of a Quality Assurance Check.

33. Minutes (Part 2)

Members received the minutes (Part 2) of the Committee meeting held on 7 October 2004.

The Committee closed at 5.15 pm

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