Cambridge University research into disproportionality

Report: 7
Date: 09 Jun 05
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report provides Members with the background and updates on the research into disproportionality that is being conducted by the Institute of Criminology at Cambridge University on behalf of the MPS.

Although the interim report from Cambridge will not be available in time for this meeting, it is anticipated that it will be submitted by the research team in mid- June. The report will then be submitted to members.

A. Recommendations

That the report be noted.

B. Supporting information

Background

1. Members are aware that in October 2004 the Metropolitan Police Service commissioned Professor Tonry and Dr Matravers from the Institute of Criminology, to conduct research into disproportionality in relation to professional standards. The research focuses on two specific areas of concern for the MPS. Both areas involve disproportionality in relation to black and minority ethnic individuals. The key issues break down as follows:

• Disproportionality in relation to the ethnicity of members of the public who make complaints (for example in relation to police stops and searches) – External Disproportionality
• Disproportionality in relation to the ethnicity of police officers who are the subjects of intelligence reports about alleged misconduct and/or are subject to a complaints and discipline process; possible disproportionality among officers with vulnerability to misconduct and corruption – Internal Disproportionality

2. It is evident that significant attention and resources have been directed towards these issues by the DPS. As a result, a considerable amount of relevant information is available in the form of policy documents, inquiry reports, and internal and external research reports. The DPS itself has comprehensive data sets that contain quantitative information about the current situation. The research aims to tap into this existing information as well as generating new quantitative and qualitative data that will assist in the generation of strategic solutions to these complex problems.

3. The key aim of this research is to identify strategic solutions that will reassure the community in general and black and minority ethnic communities in particular. An important subsidiary aim is to secure the support (and, where necessary, regain the confidence) of Metropolitan Police officers and staff in regard to the MPS response to diversity.

Progress

4. Phase 1 and 2 of the research are now complete. Phase 1 relates to completion of the Research Agenda and Phase 2 encompasses a review of relevant data which includes:

• Published reports/research;
• Policy documents; and
• Externally/internally produced reports/research

5. The research is now in Phase 3, which involves a comprehensive research programme to include both quantitative and qualitative techniques to address the two main research areas. For example, complaint file research and content analysis is being conducted to assist the research team to build a profile of three elements: the complainant, the police officer and the incident that generated the complaint. The aim is to identify patterns and themes across the three elements and to establish the significance of ethnicity in each case.

6. The analyses outlined above will provide information about the extent to which complaints made by people from black and minority ethnic communities are related to factors distinct from those that are associated with complaints made by white people. Matching MPS data with complaints data will allow for casual analysis of the determinants of complaints. More precisely, analyses will reveal the relative weight of officer ethnicity by comparison with other factors (such as age, sex, duty, borough) in determining the likelihood of the generation of a complaint.

C. Race and equality impact

If the MPS is to move forward and look for operational solutions to the outcome of the research then there will be significant race and diversity considerations. It is anticipated that when the interim report is available the MPS, with the assistance of key stakeholders, will be in a position to assess the impact of the emerging findings.

D. Financial implications

The cost of the research up to the point of submission of the interim report will be £43,000 which can be met from existing budgets. There will then be the opportunity to take stock of the emerging direction before negotiations continue in relation to the final cost.

E. Background papers

None.

F. Contact details

Report author(s): Detective Chief Superintendent Carl Bussey, Directorate of Professional Standards

For more information contact:

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

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