MPA dip sampling of public complaints

Report: 9
Date: 9 March 2006
By: Commissioner

Summary

This report summarises the MPS response to the MPA dip sampling of closed complaints files [1].

This MPA oversight role has been undertaken with thoroughness and has already provided signposts for organisational learning.

The MPS welcomes this independent scrutiny and will look for opportunities to consolidate its benefits within the aims and objectives of the newly formed Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) Prevention Command.

Ways of making the dip sampling process more effective have also been jointly explored with the MPA and will be the subject of further updates when finalised. (Work to date includes the drafting of inspection protocols by case category to allow for themed as well as specific findings).

A. Recommendations

That the MPA note this MPS response to Recommendation 2 in the PSCC ‘Dip sampling’ report dated 12 January 2006.

B. Supporting information

MPS response to MPA initial file review

1. A comprehensive summary of the MPA findings together with the MPS response and recommendations to improve effectiveness is attached at Appendix 1.

2. A programme of initiatives has been generated by the findings. Their emphasis is on organisational learning and should be read in the context of Recommendation 8 of the inspection in 2005 by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) of the DPS [2].

DPS initiatives arising from the dip sampling process.

3. The following initiatives are being led by the DPS Prevention Command in support of organisational learning and effectiveness:

• A review of the effectiveness of the current contact arrangements with complainants (To include an assessment of how best Tribune can be used to support complainant contact).
• A review of the effectiveness of the current contact arrangements with officers (To include an assessment of how best Tribune can be used to support officer contact).
• A review of the effectiveness of the Complaints Intervention Scheme.
• A reassessment of the wording in the DPS Manual of Guidance for Investigators (para 2.7) concerning contact with complainants in Sub Judice cases.
• Identifying a business case for introducing dedicated misconduct officers on boroughs.
• An assessment of DPS monitoring obligations in the context of its commitment to the MPS Race and Diversity Strategy 2006 – 2009.
• A review of the criteria used for setting a Local Resolution target of 50% for all finalised allegations.
• An assessment of whether the Manual of Guidance provides adequate advice in respect of referral of ‘matters’ to the Independent Police Complaints Committee (IPCC).
• An assessment of whether Tribune adequately supports DPS ‘statutory notification’ responsibilities.

Case specific recommendations arising from the dip sampling process

4. In addition to the generic initiatives listed above the dip sampling has also generated case specific recommendations. These include:

• Referral of individual case files [3] to the Prevention Command to be incorporated into DPS training programmes.
• Referral of two closed cases to the IPCC [4] for case completeness.
• Examination of an officer’s Complaints and Discipline System record to confirm accuracy of data [5].

Inspection protocols

5. The development of inspection protocols represents a natural development in this dip sampling process.

6. Draft protocols that take account of categories of complaint will allow for themed as well as case specific findings.

7. These are being jointly prepared to facilitate the transfer of future MPA findings into the Prevention Command.

C. Race and equality impact

1. The dip sampling identified at least one occasion where ethnic monitoring was not undertaken.

2. The recently published MPS Race and Diversity strategy (2006 - 2009) re-enforces the MPS’ legal monitoring obligations making a review of the current DPS arrangements timely.

3. This review will take account of the requirements of the Equality Standards for Local Government that more fully define the MPS’ prescriptive monitoring responsibilities.

D. Financial implications

The DPS initiatives generated by this dip sampling process represent core business for the Prevention Command and should generate no additional expenditure.

E. Background papers

None.

F. Contact details

Report author(s): DCI Magnus Gudmundsson (DPS Review Unit), MPS.

For more information contact:

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

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