Rec 61 IT solution for London - Met must work faster

54/03
17 July 2003

The Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board of the Metropolitan Police Authority today voiced serious concerns at the Met’s delay in progressing a technological solution to recording police ‘stops’.

The MPA requested in January this year the Met identify and pilot a technology-based recording system in a London borough, to overlap with the paper-based pilot begun in Hackney on 1st April, with a suggested implementation date of September 2003.

The EODB was informed by the Met today that problems in identifying suitable technology make it impossible to meet this deadline.

Cecile Wright, Chair of the EODB, said:

“Police powers to stop an individual and the disproportionate way in which they affect London’s black and ethnic minority communities, are one of the most contentious issues eroding public confidence in, and trust of, the police.

“The MPA is working hard to ensure the Met recognises the urgency with which this matter must be addressed and that is why we were disappointed today to hear that a technology-based pilot will not begin when initially agreed.

“None of us can afford to drag our feet over this issue if we want to win back the trust and confidence of the people we are here to serve. The EODB has requested an urgent meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, and the police officers directly involved, prior to the next scheduled meeting of this committee.”

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