Metropolitan Police Authority: November meeting

Angela Carbery-Roach on 22 November 2011 at 14:50

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22 November 2011

The November meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority will be held in The Chamber, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 24 November 2011.

The meeting is open to members of the public and press, and everyone is welcome to attend. There is access for disabled people and induction loops are available. 

The Chair of the MPA will give an oral update on key issues or events since the last Authority meeting. Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe will present a report on policing performance and respond to questions from Authority members.

The Authority has received a question from a member of the public, Samantha Rigg-David, submitted on behalf of the United Families and Friends Campaign (UFFC). It relates to the policing of the recent Deaths in Custody March in central London on Saturday 29 October 2011. The Chief Executive’s response on behalf of the Authority will be given at the meeting.

Members will also discuss:

• Policing London Business Plan
• Civil Liberties Panel review ‘Protecting the innocent’ – The London Experience of DNA and the national DNA database

The full Authority committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/mpa/2011/1124

MPA committee meetings: Joint meeting of the Finance and Resources and Strategic and Operational Policing and Committees, followed by the Finance and Resources Committee

Angela Carbery-Roach on 15 November 2011 at 16:15

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15 November 2011

A joint meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Finance and Resources  and Strategic and Operational Policing and Committees will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY at 2.00 pm on Thursday 17 November 2011. It will be followed immediately by the Finance and Resources Committee.

At the joint meeting, members will discuss:

• Policing London Business Plan 2012-15

At the Finance and Resources Committee, amongst other items members will discuss:

• Finance matters: Capital and revenue budget monitoring 2011/12 – period 6
• Estate matters: disposal of Wallington former police station andTrinity Road Wandsworth former police office
• Procurement matters: interim award for the provision of vehicle fuel charge card facilities

 Committee papers for these meetings are available on the website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/sop/2011/1117-joint and www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/finres/2011/1117

MPA committee meeting: Strategic and Operational Policing Committee

Angela Carbery-Roach on 9 November 2011 at 10:41

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9 November 2011

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Strategic and Operational Policing Committee will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Thursday 10 November 2011 at 2.00pm.

Amongst other items, members of the committee will discuss:

• update on the Safer Neighbourhoods operating model
• Territorial Policing development - oral update: DAC Stephen Kavanagh will provide an overview of the Territorial Policing Development Programme
• Specialist Crime Directorate 2: serious sexual offences review
• MPA report on child sexual exploitation

Notes to Editors

The full committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/sop/2011/1110

MPA appoints two new Assistant Commissioners to the Met

Alison Philp on 25 October 2011 at 18:25

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25 October 2011

The Metropolitan Police Authority has appointed Mark Rowley (currently Chief Constable of Surrey) and Simon Byrne (currently Deputy Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police) as new Assistant Commissioners with the Metropolitan Police Service.

The interviews were conducted by a panel of MPA members, with Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor and Catherine Crawford, MPA Chief Executive, acting as advisers to the panel.

Commenting on the appointment, Kit Malthouse, chair of the MPA, said:

“On behalf of the MPA I welcome Mark and Simon to the Metropolitan Police Service. While all the candidates interviewed had their individual strengths, both Mark and Simon excelled in interview and impressed the panel with their knowledge and experience. As Assistant Commissioners they will be expected to play a significant role within the Met, ensuring its officers make London a safer city for us all.”

Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe said:

“From the interviews it was very clear that Mark and Simon bring with them huge levels of operational experience. I am really pleased to be able to welcome them to the Met and know that their appointment will help the Met deliver our aim of world class policing that Londoners can be proud of.”

Notes to editors

1. The appointment to Assistant Commissioner is for a five year fixed term period at an annual starting salary of £181,455.
2. The MPA selection panel comprised: Kit Malthouse (MPA chair, Assembly member), Reshard Auladin and Cindy Butts (both independent members), Toby Harris (Home Secretary’s appointment), Joanne McCartney and Caroline Pidgeon (both Assembly members).

Metropolitan Police Authority: October meeting

Angela Carbery-Roach on 25 October 2011 at 12:16

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25 October 2011

The October meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority will be held in Committee rooms 4 and 5, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 27 October 2011.

The meeting is open to members of the public and press, and everyone is welcome to attend. There is access for disabled people and induction loops are available.

Kit Malthouse, chair of the MPA, will give an oral update on key issues or events since the last Authority meeting. Commissioner Benard Hogan-Howe will present a report on policing performance and respond to questions from Authority members.

Members will also discuss

• Stop and Account - a report on the proposed changes to recording requirements in Stop and Search and Account as contained in the Crime & Security Act which came into force on 7 March 2010.

The full Authority committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/mpa/2011/1027

MPA committee meeting: Finance and Resources Committee

Angela Carbery-Roach on 18 October 2011 at 14:42

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18 October 2011

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Finance and Resources Committee will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Thursday 20 October at 2.00pm.
Members of the committee will discuss, amongst other items:

Finance matters

• Capital and revenue budget monitoring 2011/12 – period 5 (to end August 2011)
• Second review of the capital programme 2011/12
• Banking and RBS: update on the banking sector and the MPA banker Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)

IS/IT and procurement matters

• The Government procurement service framework agreement for office supplies
• Award of contract for the provision of coach services for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Routine Contracts Programme

Estate  matters

• Disposal of: Finchley section house (Amberden Avenue, Finchley); Westcome Park former police station (11-13 Combedale Road, Greenwich, London SE10 0LQ); Rennetts Wood House (Flats 1-12 Rennet’s Wood House, Bexley Road, Greenwich, London, SE9 2NE)

The committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/finres/2011/1020/

MPA Statement: Commander Ali Dizaei

Angela Carbery-Roach on 30 September 2011 at 17:45

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30 September 2011

On 28 September 2011 the Police Appeals Tribunal (PAT), whose members are appointed by the Home Office, met to consider Dr Ali Dizaei’s appeal against his dismissal from the Metropolitan Police Service. The PAT upheld his appeal against dismissal.

On receipt of their decision on 29 September, the Metropolitan Police Authority’s Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee (PSCSC) immediately convened to consider the current status of outstanding matters concerning Commander Dizaei. After careful deliberation the PSCSC unanimously decided to suspend him. Suspension is not a disciplinary sanction and it is emphasised that suspension should not be taken as a presumption of guilt.

This has been approved by the IPCC in accordance with police regulations.

Commander Dizaei was formally notified by the MPA at 4 pm on Friday 30 September 2011.

It is the Authority’s responsibility to take the decision to suspend ACPO officers. The MPA has a statutory duty to investigate all allegations of misconduct and takes this responsibility very seriously. The Authority's Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee considers all cases in full accordance with the applicable legislation.

Notes to Editors

1.     During suspension officers are not empowered to carry out the duties of a police officer and are required to surrender their warrant cards.

2.     Whilst suspended from duty officers will receive pay at the rate which applied at the time of suspension.

MPA welcomes IPCC report ‘Abuse of Metropolitan Police issued AMEX cards’

Angela Carbery-Roach on 28 September 2011 at 17:30

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28 September 2011

The MPA is committed to ensuring that officers and staff use resources appropriately and welcomes the IPCC’s report ‘Abuse of Metropolitan Police issued AMEX cards’.

The MPA worked with considerable effort and resources to pursue the misuse of Amex cards in the MPS and those officers who fraudulently used their Amex cards for personal gain have been identified, held to account through the courts or misconduct proceedings, resulting in dismissals and criminal convictions.

The case that started the investigations into Amex cards was initiated from within the MPA’s internal audit directorate who received a ‘whistleblowing’ call. Amex claims from over 3,000 officers were initially sorted, sifted, and reviewed within internal audit so that only those cases appropriate for investigation were forwarded to the MPS Directorate of Professional Standards.

Any civil recovery issues of over claimed monies were also dealt with by the Authority. The cases involving the investigation of ACPO rank officers were decided with by the Authority’s Professional Standards Cases Sub-Committee.

The investigation also led to weaknesses in the corporate credit card system being identified. 34 recommendations were made by the DPS in full consultation with the MPA internal audit and MPS Exchequer Services to be incorporated into a new corporate credit card system, along with robust processes for handling expenditure claims.

MPA consultation: recording 'Stop and Account' to be kept in London

Angela Carbery-Roach on 26 September 2011 at 16:15

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26 Setember 2011

Kit Malthouse, Chair of the MPA, confirmed that the Met police will continue to record ‘stop and account’ following extensive community consultation by the MPA and Met:

“The MPA has always recognised the sensitivities around police ‘stops’ in London, so when  on 7 March 2011 the Home Office changed the requirements for how police record this process the MPA wanted to gather the views of Londoners about this, especially those of young people.

“Earlier this year the MPA led extensive community consultation, together with the Met, on whether 'stop and account' should continue to be recorded by Met officers. Those we spoke to, many of whom were young people, robustly supported recording ‘stop and account’ to make sure the process was both transparent and accountable. It also serves as a good check and balance for officers who make stops on a daily basis as they go about their duties.

“Good community engagement has always been a priority for the MPA and this is a great example of community consultation making a real difference to how London is policed, and the Met will continue to record  ‘stop and account’.“

Notes to Editors

1. Details of the MPA/MPS consultation process can be found at: www.mpa.gov.uk/news/press/2011/5/021 and www.mpa.gov.uk/news/press/2011/5/019 

2. Details of the Home Office proposals concerning ‘stop and account’ can be found at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/powers/stop-and-search 

MPA committee meeting: Finance and Resources Committee

Angela Carbery-Roach on 20 September 2011 at 13:18

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20 September2 2011

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Finance and Resources Committee will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Thursday 22 September at 2.00pm.

Members of the committee will discuss, amongst other items:

Finance matters

• Capital and revenue budget monitoring 2011/12 period 4
• Police Property Act Fund –closing of accounts for 2010/11
• Sponsorship – annual report
• MPS police staff early departures - overview of activity to date

IS/IT and procurement matters

• Construction category procurement update
• Framework agreement for the provision of Airwave radio terminals, accessories and managed services

Estate  matter

• Estates update paper

The committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/finres/2011/0922

Metropolitan Police Authority: September meeting

Angela Carbery-Roach on 13 September 2011 at 11:00

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13 September 2011

The September meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority will be held in The Chamber, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 15 September 2011.

The meeting is open to members of the public and press, and everyone is welcome to attend. There is access for disabled people and induction loops are available. 

Kit Malthouse, chair of the MPA, will give an oral update on key issues or events since the last Authority meeting. There will be a report on police performance and a member question session.

Amongst other items, members will discuss:

• Statement of accounts for year ended 31 March 2011 and annual governance report 2010/11
• under any other urgent business: claims under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886

before moving into private session to discuss:

• Olympics/Paralympics planning update: this report provides the MPA full Authority meeting with an update on Olympic and Paralympics safety and security planning
• Review of MPS response to Babar Ahmad investigations and judicial findings:
  this report reviews the MPS response to the Babar Ahmad investigations and judicial findings

The full Authority committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/mpa/2011/0915

MPA welcomes appointment of Bernard Hogan-Howe as new Commissioner

Angela Carbery-Roach on 12 September 2011 at 18:30

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12 September 2011

Commenting on the announcement today that Bernard Hogan-Howe has been appointed Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Kit Malthouse, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority said:

“Bernard Hogan-Howe has shown himself to be a valiant and focused crime fighter and we look forward to him bringing his undoubted sense of purpose to London.

“The MPA were impressed by his clear vision, firm resolve and eagerness to get about his task. He was one amongst a distinguished and highly accomplished field and his success is therefore all the more impressive.

“He has all our congratulations and we look forward to working together dedicated to the safety of Londoners.”

Notes to Editors

The MPA selection panel, which  interviewed the shortlisted candidates, included Kit Malthouse (Chair of panel), Reshard Auladin, Cindy Butts, Dee Doocey, Jenny Jones, Joanne McCartney and Faith Boardman.

MPA committee meeting: Strategic and Operational Policing Committee

Angela Carbery-Roach on 6 September 2011 at 17:00

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6 September 2011

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Strategic and Operational Policing Committee will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Thursday 8 September 2011 at 2.00pm.

Amongst other items, members of the committee will discuss:

• Urgent actions and urgent operational issues - Members will be asked to agree a process for the consideration of claims for compensation under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886
• Thematic performance report against MPA/MPS Policing London Business Plan: preventing terrorism and extremism in London
• Territorial Policing (TP) thematic performance report: convincing communities we are on their side
• MPS implementation of the Police National Database
• Update on Operation Target which aims to deliver crime reduction by targeting resources and capabilities on designated areas and most harmful offenders (particularly those involved in acquisitive crime)
• Operational policing and officer availability
• Custody suites

Notes to Editors

The full committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/sop/2011/0908

MPA statement: response to Independent Police Complaints Commission decision

Angela Carbery-Roach on 17 August 2011 at 12:00

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17 August 2011

The MPA notes the decision of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in respect of the five referrals made to the commission, including their decision to conduct an independent investigation of one of the five referrals.

Notes to editors:

1. The MPA Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee (PSCSC) referred five recorded conduct matters to the IPCC on 18 July 2011.

2. Having received these referrals, the IPCC announced in a press release that the IPCC ‘would assess the referrals carefully to determine what should be investigated at this stage, bearing in mind the judicial inquiry.’

3. A term of reference of Lord Leveson’s Inquiry is to ‘inquire into the way in which any relevant police force investigated allegations or evidence of unlawful conduct by persons within or connected with News International, the review by the Metropolitan Police of their initial investigation, and the conduct of the prosecuting authorities.’

4. Under the Police Reform Act 2002 and associated regulations, the MPA is responsible for dealing with concerns raised by, or on behalf of, members of the public against senior police officers in the Metropolitan Police Service.

5. A conduct matter is an indication that a person serving with the police may have behaved in a manner which would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings.

6. Disciplinary proceedings would be justified if it appears that an officer may have breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour.

7. If it is decided that allegations give rise to a conduct matter, the MPA is required to consider whether the conduct matter should be recorded and whether to refer it to the IPCC.

8. It is for the IPCC to determine on every matter referred to it by a police authority, whether or not it is necessary for the matter to be investigated (Paragraph 14 of PRA 2002, schedule 3). If the IPCC determines that it is necessary for the matter to be investigated, it can determine that the investigation can be an investigation by the MPA, an investigation by the MPA under the supervision of the IPCC, an investigation by the MPA under the management of the IPCC or an independent investigation by the IPCC. If the IPCC does not consider that it is a matter to be investigated, it may be handed back to the police authority for it to determine how to deal with it (which can include no further action, or for it to be investigated).

Metropolitan Police Authority: July meeting

Angela Carbery-Roach on 26 July 2011 at 16:45

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26 July 2011

The July meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority will be held in The Chamber, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 28 July 2011.

The meeting is open to members of the public and press, and everyone is welcome to attend. There is access for disabled people and induction loops are available. 

Kit Malthouse, chair of the MPA, will give an oral update on any key issues or events since the last Authority meeting. There will be a report on police performance and a member question session.

Amongst other items, members will discuss:

• treasury management financial review 2010/11 (including 4th Qtr update); and
• reports from committees

before moving into private session to discuss:

• provision of forensic science services: to agree a proposed new operating model for forensic service delivery

The full Authority committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/mpa/2011/0728

MPA Chair Kit Malthouse responds to HMIC report ‘Adapting to Austerity’

Alison Philp on 21 July 2011 at 16:01

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21 July 2011

MPA Chair Kit Malthouse said:

"These speculative figures are based on predictions of a gap in a budget which has yet to be set. This year, the Mayor channelled an extra £42 million to increase police numbers in London, enabling the Met to become the only force in the country to start recruiting again. 

“We are currently working on the Met Police budget for 2012 and have every confidence in again filling any gaps. 

“The Mayor has guaranteed there will be more police at the end of his mayoral term than at the beginning. Protecting frontline police officers remains his top priority and predicting that many police officers in London will lose their jobs is simply not true.”

Metropolitan Police Authority: Senior Metropolitan Police Officer suspension reviewed

Alison Philp on 21 July 2011 at 11:40

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21 July 2011

The Metropolitan Police Authority Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee (PSCSC) met on Wednesday 20 July 2011, to review the suspension of Assistant Commissioner (AC) John Yates under Regulation 10(8) of the 2008 Police Regulations.

The PSCSC decision to suspend AC John Yates was based on the need to protect the public interest and confidence in the MPS following allegations received concerning AC Yates.

Following AC Yates’ announcement of his resignation, the Sub-committee has reviewed its decision and determined that it is not now in the public interest for AC Yates to be suspended. He has been informed of this decision.

The PSCSC was unaware of the urgent request to appear and give evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee and the intention of AC Yates to resign at the time of their deliberation. The Sub-committee’s decision would have been influenced by these factors if members had been aware of them.

So that he could prepare for his appearance at the select committee, the formal suspension action was postponed.

His intention to resign from the MPS is a matter of public record.

Matters involving AC Yates that have been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission still apply.

It is the Authority’s responsibility to take the decision to suspend ACPO officers. The MPA has a statutory duty to investigate all allegations of misconduct and takes this responsibility very seriously. The Authority's PSCSC considers all cases in full accordance with the Police Reform Act 2002 and associated regulations.

It is not our practice to release details about ongoing investigations.

Notes to Editors

1. The Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee comprised of Reshard Auladin (Chair), James Cleverly (Vice Chair) and Tony Arbour.

2. Police Regulations 2008

Review of Suspension
Regulation 10(8) of the 2008 Regulations outlines the circumstances in which the MPA is required to review the suspension conditions, namely:

a.  on receipt of any representations from the officer concerned (or his police friend)

b.  if there has been no previous review, before the end of 4 weeks beginning with the first working day after the suspension;

c.  in any other case –

i.  on being notified that circumstances relevant to the suspension conditions may have changed (whether by means of representations made under paragraph (7)(b) or otherwise); or

ii.  before the end of 4 weeks beginning with the day after the previous review

MPA committee meeting: Finance and Resources Committee

Angela Carbery-Roach on 20 July 2011 at 12:30

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20 July 2011

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Finance and Resources Committee will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Thursday 21 July at 2.00pm.

Members of the committee will discuss, amongst other items:

Finance matters

• Capital and revenue budget monitoring report 2011/12: period 2
• Mayor's Budget Guidance 2012/13
• The cost implications of policing public order events 2010/11: setting out the annual policing costs associated with major public order events 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 at a total cost of £34.8m
• Project Voyage: the Black Police Association Charitable Trust (BPACT) has received agreement in principle for £1.6m of grant funding from the GLA, over the period 2011/12 to 2013/14, for the expansion of Project Voyage

Estate matters

• Safer Neighbourhoods Property - update: update on the progress of the property programme supporting Safer Neighbourhoods teams across London
• Request for approval to dispose of; Sunbury Training Centre, Green Street, Sunbury on Thames; 3 & 5 Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames; and Wallington Former Police Station, 84 Stafford Road, Wallington, Sutton
• Disposal of former police station, Ponders End

The committee papers are available on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/finres/2011/0721

MPA Chair Kit Malthouse statement: John Yates

Alison Philp on 19 July 2011 at 17:03

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19 July 2011

Kit Malthouse AM, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said:

"John Yates has bravely served the people of London for 30 years. Never far from the action, he has taken on some of the most complex and challenging investigations, despite significant reputational and personal risk.

"From the reinvestigation of the murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan, to corruption within the East Dulwich crime squad, John has often broken new ground. His handling of the aftermath of the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes, including representing the Met in Brazil, as well as leading the Met response to the Boxing Day tsunami, drew much praise.

"His work on counter-terrorism showed John at his very best. Measured, calm, sensible and effective, he handled the CT community, from the security services to the Mayor, with skill, bringing them together as a united front against those who would seek to destroy us.

“Rare is the man or woman whose temperament and intellect can cope with the constant stress and risk that John has borne with such apparent ease. We should all be deeply grateful for his many years of service."

MPA statement: IPCC referral

Angela Carbery-Roach on 18 July 2011 at 20:00

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18 July 2011

Following receipt of an unsolicited complaint from the public against the Commissioner the matter was recorded as a conduct matter and reference was made to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

It is normal practice that officers are not made aware of complaints until after they have been recorded. Therefore Sir Paul Stephenson would not have had any knowledge that a complaint had been received until the meeting concluded this morning and he was duly notified.