Metropolitan Police Authority May Full Authority Meeting

35/03
27 May 2003

The Metropolitan Police Authority will meet on Thursday 29 May at 10.00am in Meeting Room 1 (ground floor), 10 Dean Farrar Street, SW1. The meeting is open to members of the public and press.

Members will consider the Serious Crimes Group’s new resourcing and structural organisation for Major Investigation Teams, used to investigate homicides and major inquiries.

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, said:

“The Damilola Taylor murder inquiry and the HMIC report 2002/3 both highlighted the need for additional resources in the Met to investigate murders and it is hoped this scheme will address these shortcomings.

“Experience has also shown that major inquiries and homicides in London can be complex and need sufficient resources so that officers can work closely with families and communities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. We have a duty to provide Londoners with an effective and efficient police service and this model will help give Londoners the service they deserve.”

Although a further 400 posts for homicide investigations had been negotiated between the MPA and Commissioner, due to current circumstances most of these resources had been diverted to counter terrorism and Borough Command Units. The Major Investigation Team model 2002 will require additional staff as well as a new training programme.

Before the end of 2003, the Authority will be involved in two assessment processes - an Initial Performance Assessment of the GLA group by the Audit Commission and a new baseline assessment of police forces by HMIC. The members will consider a report which describes what the two assessments will involve. It is anticipated there will be a great deal of overlap between these two processes and it is planned to appoint an informal members’ steering group to oversee the authority’s response, which would include members who have had relevant experience of comprehensive performance assessments.

The Acting Commissioner, Ian Blair, will give an update on operational policing issues in London and Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, Catherine Crawford, Clerk to the Authority and members will give updates on Authority matters.

Members will, in accordance with the Authority’s Standing Orders, hear a question from a member of the public and the Clerk will give the Authority’s response at the meeting.

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