MPA Race and Faith Inquiry: 30 April meeting

Celia Prentice on 28 April 2009 at 13:13

Tags: inquiry, mpa, mps, race and faith,

31/09
28 April 2009

The final public meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Race and Faith Inquiry will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Thursday 30 April between 09:30 – 10:30.

Answering questions from the Inquiry panel will be members of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, including:

• Alfred John (Chair MetBPA);
• David Macfarlane;
• Patricia Fenton; and
• Bevan Powell.

The meeting is open to the public and press.

Notes to Editors

Further information can be found at:
www.mpa.gov.uk/scrutinies/racefaith

Jacqui Jones: 020 7202 0217
Michael Upton: 020 7202 0218

Out of hours duty phone: 07769 742 795
Email:  firstname.secondname@mpa.gov.uk
Website:  www.mpa.gov.uk

MPA Race and Faith Inquiry Meeting: Monday 6th April

Celia Prentice on 3 April 2009 at 14:57

Tags: faith, mps, race, race and faith enquiry, race and faith inquiry,

23/09
3 April 2009

MPA Race and Faith Inquriy meeting: Monday 6th April

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Race and Faith Inquiry will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Monday 6 April starting at 08:30.

The meeting is open to the public and press.

Answering questions from the Inquiry panel will be:

08:30 – 09:30 Martin Tiplady, MPS Director of Human Resources

10:00 – 11:30 Sir Ian Blair, former MPS Commissioner

13:00 – 14:00 Bob Quick, Assistant Commissioner MPS

16:15 – 17:15 Dr Richard Stone, Vice Chair of the Runnymede trust

17:15 – 18:15 Trevor Philips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission

Notes to Editors

Further information can be found at:
www.mpa.gov.uk/scrutinies/racefaith

Jacqui Jones: 020 7202 0217
Michael Upton: 020 7202 0218

Out of hours duty phone: 07769 742 795
Email:  firstname.secondname@mpa.gov.uk
Website:  www.mpa.gov.uk

MPA Race and Faith Inquiry

Celia Prentice on 16 February 2009 at 12:39

Tags: faith, inquiry, mpa, mps, race, race and faith inquiry,

06/09
16 February 2009

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority Race and Faith Inquiry will be held in Meeting Room 1, 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY on Wednesday 18 February starting at 12.15 pm.

Representatives from MPS Staff Associations and MPS police officers will answer questions from the Inquiry panel.

The meeting is open to the public and press.

Notes to editors

Further information can be found at: www.mpa.gov.uk/issues/racefaith

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

Metropolitan Police Authority: Panel established to review development plans for the Metropolitan Police Estate

Celia Prentice on 31 October 2008 at 14:39

Tags: 2008, estate, estate management, metropolitan police authority, mpa, mps, news, press release, press releases,

55/08
31 October 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority has established a panel of Authority members to review Metropolitan Police Estate development plans, including future community engagement programmes.

Steve O'Connell, Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority Finance and Resources Committee, said:

"The police estate plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of effective and efficient policing for communities across the capital.

"But many of our buildings are quite literally unfit for purpose, constructed in an age when the technologies, transport and working methods we take for granted were undreamed of. The estate must serve everybody's needs - the police need modern facilities to tackle crime, while the public want and deserve a visible presence in their midst to reassure them that the police can respond to crime effectively.

"Plans to modernise police facilities were published at the end of last year and included a three-month consultation period to enable local communities to comment on the proposals. We now recognise that these well-intentioned plans were poorly presented and gave the impression that every borough should conform to an identical, one-size-fits-all plan. This was never the case, as we recognise the size and complexity of some boroughs need far more tailored solutions. Community consultation was also inadequate in some boroughs and failed to engage widely enough.

"Added to these concerns, the current economic climate means that budgets will become increasingly tight and therefore impact on development plans, so while building projects that are already underway will continue, long-term projects need to be reviewed.

"Consequently, the Authority has established an MPA member panel to revisit the plans and provide some clarity between strategy and delivery of the estate modernisation programme, including the issue of meaningful public consultation. The panel will present its findings to the Authority in Spring 2009.

"I want to stress three things to reassure Londoners: no decisions about the police estate in London have been taken; meaningful consultation will take place where communities have raised substantial objections to potential changes; and no buildings with front counter facilities, where people can engage in face to face contact with the police, will be closed without fully operational, improved facilities being opened first."

Notes for Editors

The MPA member panel comprises Graham Speed (independent member) Chairman, Dee Doocey (Assembly member) and Len Duvall (Assembly member). Terms of Reference for the panel will be presented to the next meeting of the Finance and Resources Committee on 20 November.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

Metropolitan Police Authority: Have your say on policing in London

Celia Prentice on 13 October 2008 at 15:00

Tags: 2008, have your say, london, mpa, mps, news, policing, policing priorities, press release, press releases, priorities, questionnaire,

54/08
13 October 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is asking Londoners to have their say and help identify the capital's policing priorities for 2010/11.

By completing a short online questionnaire Londoners can tell the MPA if the police are focusing on the areas that are important to them. The questionnaire focuses on:

• what are your top three priorities for policing in London?
• why doyou choose these priorities?
• what should the MPS be doing to tackle these priorities?

Kit Malthouse, Vice Chairman of the MPA, said:

"We promised we would listen, and this is your chance to be heard, so please take it. Let us know what you think about the Met, the MPA and any crime or policing issues that bother or enthuse you, so we have a better idea of what you want from us."

The questionnaire is available at http://www.mpa.gov.uk/yourviews/haveyoursay.htm

Hardcopies available:
If you are unable to complete the online questionnaire please call 020 7202 0063 (or minicom 020 7202 0173), leaving your name and address and we will send you a paper copy of the questionnaire to complete and return to a freepost address.

Assistance to complete the questionnaire:
If you require a telephone questionnaire, please call 020 7202 0063 (or minicom 020 7202 0173), leave your name and telephone number and somebody will call you back.

All completed questionnaires must be submitted or returned by 1st December 2008.

Notes for Editors

The current policing priorities can be found on the MPA website within the Policing London business plan at
http://www.mpa.gov.uk/downloads/reports/policingplan2008-11.pdf

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

MPA Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board: Young Londoners demand answers to tackle youth crime

Celia Prentice on 30 September 2008 at 16:30

Tags: 2008, crime, eodb, london, mpa, mps, news, press release, press releases, stop and search, violent crime, youth,

49/08
26 September 2008

Young Londoners explained their fears about violent crime to Met officers at the MPA’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board (EODB) on 25 September 2008.

Kirsten Hearn, chair of the EODB, said:

“I welcome and thank the young people from the North East London College, Hillingdon Youth Service and the MPS Corporate Advisory Group who have come here to tell us their fears and concerns about youth crime in London. Knife related crimes are the Met’s top priority and I also thank DAC Alf Hitchcock, who leads on this issue, for taking part in our debate. Only by working together can young people and police find solutions to the terrible violence that is blighting our communities.”

The young people’s concerns were wide ranging and included being afraid to go out at night, worries about disproportionality in the use of stop and search and the effectiveness of search arches.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alf Hitchcock explained how Operation Blunt 2 is being used to tackle youth violence in London, and how other police operations are working together to ensure the most effective use of resources. For example, Operation Tyrol looks at safety on the buses, with an increase in the number of Safer Transport teams and transport ‘hub’ teams. Officers are now working on integrating this operation into Neighbourhood policing.

Several young people stressed the need for a broader approach to divert young people from crime and called for more programmes such as Kickz, more sports facilities and citizenship courses. Police agreed that ways must be found to tackle such issues as peer pressure, while providing more diversionary projects and ensuring employment opportunities are available.

Cindy Butts, deputy chair of the MPA, said:

“The Met are doing some strong work to support young people that are trying to leave serious violence and gang life behind. The five boroughs gangs project and ‘Pathways’, part of Operation Alliance, are excellent examples of this approach.”

DAC Alf Hitchcock assured young men in the debate that stop and search is scrutinised by community monitoring groups set up by the MPA, which give local people the opportunity to discuss with officers how it is being used in their areas and make sure it is being used fairly. The MPA has produced a DVD on stop and search to be used as a teaching tool for both police officers and communities alike.

Screening arches have been use extensively across the capital, primarily as a deterrent to stop people carrying knives, but as one participant added they only make people feel safer when police explain clearly how they are going to be used.

As well as operational policing on the streets and in neighbourhoods, police are in regular contact with their communities, meeting with faith groups, holding ’street’ briefings in communities and visiting youth clubs. Safer School Officers have become central to this issue and are setting up youth panels in every school.

The Met has also been working closely with its partners, including the Mayor, the GLA, the London Youth crime prevention board and the London community safety partnership, to ensure the operational tactics used by the police are supported by youth reassurance and engagement.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

Metropolitan Police Authority: Senior Metropolitan Police Officer suspended

Celia Prentice on 18 September 2008 at 19:38

Tags: 2008, ali desai, commander ali desai, commander desai, desai, misconduct, mps, news, press release, press releases, suspension,

48/08
18 September 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority Professional Standards Sub-committee reconvened on Thursday 18 September following the meeting held on Thursday 11 September 2008.

The committee considered allegations concerning Commander Dizaei and after lengthy and careful deliberations unanimously decided to suspend the Commander.

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 has been informed of this decision.

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 Police Conduct Regulations 2004.

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

Notes to editors

The Professional Standards Sub-committee comprised of Reshard Auladin (Chair), Cindy Butts (MPA Deputy Chair), James Cleverly and Richard Sumray.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

MPA: Alleged misconduct by senior MPS officer

Celia Prentice on 9 September 2008 at 14:03

Tags: 2008, assistant commissioner, Ghaffur, misconduct, mps, news, press release, press releases, Tarique, Tarique Ghaffur,

46/08
9 September 2008

An extraordinary meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority’s Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee was held on Monday 8 September 2008 to consider allegations of misconduct brought against Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur.

Deputy Commissioner Sir Paul Stevenson asked the MPA (the organisation responsible for the appointment and discipline of senior MPS officers) to consider whether there had been any misconduct by AC Ghaffur following the public press conference he held on 28 August.

The Sub-committee concluded that there were potential grounds for misconduct and these have been recorded as a conduct matter. In consultation with HMIC, the Sub-committee will appoint an Investigating Officer of Chief Constable rank.

The Sub-committee further considered if there were any grounds for suspension of AC Ghaffur. Members concluded that the conditions for suspension, as laid down in Misconduct Regulations, had not been met.

The paramount concern for the MPA is that the MPS must maintain effective and coherent leadership and retain public confidence. Len Duvall, MPA chair, has written to the Commissioner seeking reassurance that appropriate management action will be taken.

Notes to editors

1. The allegations have been recorded as breaches of Codes 2, 3 and 12 of the Police Code of Conduct, a schedule of the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004:

• Code 2.
  Police officers have a particular responsibility to act with fairness and impartiality in all their dealings with the public and their colleagues.
• Code 3.
  Officers should treat members of the public and colleagues with courtesy and respect, avoiding abusive or deriding attitudes or behaviour. In particular, officers must avoid: favouritism of an individual or group; all forms of harassment, victimisation or unreasonable discrimination; and overbearing conduct to a colleague, particularly to one junior in rank or service.
• Code 12.
  Whether on or off duty, police officers should not behave in a way which is likely to bring discredit upon the police service.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

MPA statement following meeting of Professional Standards Cases sub-committee

Celia Prentice on 28 July 2008 at 14:21

Tags: 2008, andy miller, commissioner, ian blair, impact plus, mpa, mps, news, press release, press releases,

43/08
28 July 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority's Professional Standards Cases Sub-committee met this morning to consider a report from the Director of Internal Audit which related to the award of a contract by the MPS in 2003 and to the extent of the involvement of Sir Ian Blair, then Deputy Commissioner, in the procurement process.

The Sub-committee has decided to ask the Home Secretary to appoint an investigating officer to ascertain whether the Commissioner's conduct met the required standards as per the Police Code of Conduct (Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004).

Reshard Auladin, chair of the Sub-committee, said:

"This decision does not imply any finding of wrong doing by the Commissioner, but is made to ensure that all the facts are independently and thoroughly investigated."

Notes to editors

1. Under the Police Code of Conduct (Police (Conduct) Regulations 2004) it is for the Home Secretary to decide who should carry out an investigation and formally appoint the investigator (Reg 8(5) Conduct regulations).

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

Metropolitan Police Authority Stockwell Scrutiny

David Lenton on 24 July 2008 at 13:05

Tags: 2008, gla, greater london, greater london authority, jean charles de menezes, london, met, met police, metropolitan police authority, metropolitan police service, mpa, mps, news, police, police force, police officer, police service, policing, press release, press releases, stockwell, stockwell scrutiny,

42/08
24 July 2008

The MPA’s Stockwell scrutiny report was discussed by members at the full Authority meeting on Thursday 24 July 2008.

Len Duvall, chair of the MPA, said:

“It was not the MPA’s role to investigate the events leading up to the tragic shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes – but it is our role to ensure that lessons are learnt and actions taken to ensure, as far as possible, that such a tragedy does not happen again. 

“Three years on there is still no definitive version of exactly what happened and this cannot be good for the de Menezes family, the public or the Met. However, the coroner’s inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes will lead us towards a final authoritative account. 

“Learning lessons is a very difficult and complex process for the Met when the focus of that learning is still subject to pending legal issues. In this context our scrutiny report is work in progress, as there are still outstanding issues we cannot examine, but the report has reached the most logical conclusions possible prior to the inquest.”

Speaking specifically about the scrutiny panel’s findings, Len Duvall added:

“The panel commended the significant progress made in areas such as command and control, information management and communication, and strategic direction of critical incidents and operations. 

“However, the implementation programme and change is not complete and the coroner’s inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes may identify other issues that require action. Several areas are highlighted where more work is required - specifically technology, surveillance procedures, firearms mobilisation and control rooms that facilitate joint working both within the MPS and between the MPS and other services. 

“Concerns about the practice of police officers conferring when making notes following a firearms operation must be addressed. This must take account of both the need for transparency and the need to respect the rights and sensibilities of firearms officers, who are all volunteers carrying out vital, sometimes dangerous, operations, and ultimately protecting the public. 

"The Scrutiny report makes 34 recommendations. The MPA has requested that the Commissioner responds in writing outlining how the MPS intends to implement the recommendations and the Authority will ensure regular updates are received. We have also asked the Commissioner to submit a report no later than two months after the end of the coroner’s inquest outlining any proposals for change as a result of the inquest’s findings. 

“The MPA will continue to liase with the de Menezes family and their lawyers, and any views they offer will be taken into account when the Authority considers further reports. 

“Many of the issues that faced the MPS in July 2005 are likely to present themselves again during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, potentially on a larger scale. Actions taken by the MPS to respond to Stockwell need to be tested continually as to capability and resilience in the context of future policing.”

Notes to editors

1. The MPA Stockwell scrutiny report:

www.mpa.gov.uk/downloads/committees/mpa/080724-06-appendix01.pdf

2. At the Co-ordination and Policing Committee in December 2007, members agreed terms of reference for a scrutiny of how the MPS has responded to the learning arising from the tragedy. The decision to undertake the scrutiny followed publication of two reports into the shooting by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and a guilty verdict as a result of the prosecution of the MPS under Health and Safety legislation.

3. The scrutiny panel members were: Dee Doocey, Faith Boardman, Jennette Arnold and Len Duvall, who chaired the panel

4. The scrutiny panel members took oral evidence from senior MPS and MPA officers and key partners, including the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC). They also carried out a comprehensive review of documentation submitted by the MPS that evidenced the changes put in place since 2005. 

5. Confidential anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321

6. Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

Metropolitan police estate: public consultation results published

Celia Prentice on 23 July 2008 at 13:21

Tags: 2008, amp, asset management plan, consultation, estate, estate management, estates management, feedback, mps, news, press release, press releases,

41/08
23 July 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority today published the findings of a three-month programme of public consultation about the future development of the Metropolitan Police Estate in London.

Plans to modernise police facilities were published for each of the capital’s 32 boroughs last November, followed by a three-month consultation period to enable local communities to comment on the proposals to make the police estate more responsive to everyone’s requirements. It was always intended to publish the results of this public consultation.

Steve O’Connell, chair of the MPA Finance Committee, said:

“The MPA has discussed in public committee the unsatisfactory and limited nature of this previous consultation process. By publishing the results today, we are fulfilling our intention to make the results available to our communities.

“Our future plans to develop the Metropolitan Police Estate will require us to talk more directly with local communities. We need Londoners to understand what services operate from our buildings, more broadly how the police work in the boroughs and how the built estate supports this. Only by providing this information can communities to take part in an informed, constructive dialogue.

“Over the summer period we are looking at the whole estate strategy, including the development plans that were consulted on, as part of the overall budget process. This will be an opportunity to explore how communities can become further involved to ensure we move forward in a way that will satisfy everyone’s requirements.

“I want to stress once again that nothing will be done in haste and no decisions about the police estate in London have been taken.”

Notes to editors

1. The MPA has responsibility for all the buildings used by the Metropolitan Police in London and we recognise the vital role the estate plays in supporting the delivery of effective and efficient policing across the capital. The Authority is acutely aware that the estate is ageing - approximately 35% of the buildings pre-dating 1935 - and many buildings are inappropriately located for today’s communities. To deliver an excellent police service, our buildings have to meet both today’s requirements as well as our future demands. Simply upgrading or renewing individual parts of the estate is no longer an option and there is an urgent need for major change.

2. The results of the public consultation for the Asset Management Plan (AMP) for each borough, are available to view on the MPA website at: www.mpa.gov.uk/issues/estate/default.htm#amp

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

MPA: Public consultation on development of the Metropolitan Police estate debated

Celia Prentice on 4 July 2008 at 15:00

Tags: 2008, amp, asset management plan, estate, mps, news, press release, press releases,

37/08
04 July 2008

The findings of a three-month programme of public consultation on future development of the Metropolitan Police Estate in London was discussed by members of the Metropolitan Police Authority at a meeting of the Authority's Co-ordination and Policing Committee on Thursday 4 July 2008.

Plans to modernise police facilities were published for each of the capital's 32 boroughs last November followed by a three-month consultation period to enable local communities to comment on proposals to make the police estate more responsive to everyone's requirements.

Steve O'Connell, chair of the MPA Finance Committee, said

"The MPA and the Met consulted with local communities about the future of the police estate but there were limitations to the process which we all recognise. The results we did get have illustrated that our communities need more information, about how the services provided in their name operate, in order to understand how they need to develop and change to improve. But it also highlighted considerable opposition in some areas to the removal of local  police facilities, specifically iconic police stations.

"The police estate in London should serve everybody's needs; the police need modern facilities to enable them to tackle crime effectively, while the public want and deserve a visible presence in their midst to reassure them that the police can respond to crime quickly.

"As part of the overall budget process which will be conducted over the summer period, we will be looking urgently at the estate strategy, including the development plans that were consulted on. This will be an opportunity to explore how communities can become further involved to ensure we move forward in a way that will satisfy everyone's requirements.

"As Kit Malthouse, first deputy chair of the MPA and deputy mayor for policing, has confirmed, nothing will be done in haste and no decisions have yet been taken."

Notes to Editors

1. The MPA has responsibility for all the buildings used by the Metropolitan Police in London and we recognise the vital role the estate plays in supporting the delivery of effective and efficient policing across the capital. The Authority is acutely aware that the estate is ageing - approximately 35% of the buildings pre-dating 1935 - and many buildings are inappropriately located for today's communities. To deliver an excellent police service, our buildings have to meet both today's requirements as well as our future demands. Simply upgrading or renewing individual parts of the estate is no longer an option and there is an urgent need for major change.

2. The Asset Management Plan (AMP) for each borough outlines the local strategy to improve facilities, including the provision of front counters, patrol bases, custody centres, Safer Neighbourhoods team bases and office accommodation, as well as ensuring the buildings are fully accessible in line with legislation. They are available to view on the MPA website at:  http://www.mpa.gov.uk/issues/estate/default.htm#amp

3. The report 'MPA/MPS Asset Management Plan Public Consultation Feedback' is available on the MPA website at: http://www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/cop/2008/080704/04.htm

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

MPA Statement: future development of the Metropolitan Police estate

Celia Prentice on 12 June 2008 at 16:44

Tags: 2008, estate, mps, news, press release, press releases, property,

31/08
12 June 2008

Commenting on future development of the Metropolitan Police Estate, Aneeta Prem, Metropolitan Police Authority lead for estate issues, said:

“Central to our strategy is making policing more accessible to the public and based in local communities. We are working with the new Mayor and his administration to ensure that the estate serves everybody’s needs.

“As the largest single employer in London, the unprecedented growth in police numbers over the past few years has placed new demands on space and facilities. As a result, the Metropolitan Police Authority is implementing a major improvement programme to provide better alternatives for modern community focused policing so that we can continue to deliver an effective service.

“Local strategies to improve facilities, providing more accessible accommodation for both our staff and the public who need to contact the police, have been published for each of London’s 32 boroughs and local communities have been involved in consultation exercises led by borough commanders.

“We are acutely aware of the strength of feeling local communities have for easily accessible police facilities and are carefully considering the views received following the consultations before producing revised strategies. As Kit Malthouse, the deputy mayor for policing and first deputy chair of the MPA has said, nothing will be done in haste and no decisions have yet been taken.”

In conclusion, Aneeta said:

“We have made a clear commitment not to close a single front counter without an improved, fully operational replacement facility up and running. The provision of police services will never be jeopardised.”

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

Youth crime - the MPA and MPS guest on Choice FM's Richard Blackwood show to hear what London thinks

Celia Prentice on 12 June 2008 at 16:42

Tags: 2008, choice fm, crime, london, mpa, mps, news, press release, press releases, radio, richard blackwood, violence, youth, youth crime,

30/08
12 June 2008

Cindy Butts, deputy chair of the MPA, and Commander Rod Jarman from the Met will be guests on Choice FM’s Richard Blackwood show on Sunday 15 June. Taking questions from listeners, they will discuss the problems young people face on the streets, how the police are tackling youth crime and call on communities to work together to help keep young people safe.

Speaking about the aims of the programme, Cindy Butts said:

“We want to hear what young Londoners think about how we are dealing with this issue – we will only be successful if we all work together.

“Youth crime is a problem for the whole of society, decimating lives, bereaving families and blighting our communities’ safety and wellbeing. We are extremely concerned about the number of young people in London affected by serious violence, particularly knife crime. The MPA with the Met, working with the mayor of London, are determined to tackle these horrific crimes.

“The MPA’s youth scrutiny, published at the end of May, focused on the causes, effects and impacts of young people’s involvement in crime as victims, witnesses and perpetrators and how this influences their interactions with the Met. We believe that by working closely with young people they will gain more trust in the police. This is the key to reducing the numbers of young people both as victims as well as perpetrators of crime.

“The police cannot tackle this issue alone. There must be collaborative work between police, stakeholders and other agencies across society to help bring positive benefits to communities and divert our young people away from involvement in crime.”

Commander Rod Jarman of the MPS added:

‘The MPS wants to work and engage with young people to make them safer, and make them feel safer.

‘Violent crime affects a very small number of people, but has an enormous impact on victims, their families, and the families of those involved as the perpetrators.

‘We would like to talk to young people in London to understand how we can work together to tackle the violence’.

Notes to Editors

1. Choice FM Richard Blackwood show is broadcast on Sundays between 12.00 and 3.00pm

2.The MPA Youth Scrutiny report can be found at:
www.mpa.gov.uk/downloads/issues/youth/youth-scrutiny.pdf

3. The MPA stop and search conference ‘Stop right now, thank you very much’ will be held on Saturday 21 May 2008 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, 18 Albert Embankment SE1 7TJ.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

Metropolitan Police Authority Statement: MPS takes further action of minimise risk posed by violent offenders

Celia Prentice on 5 June 2008 at 17:14

Tags: 2008, mps, news, press release, press releases, violent crime, violent offenders,

28/08
5 June 2008

At the Metropolitan Police Authority's Coordination and Policing Committee today, Commissioner Sir Ian Blair outlined MPS action to deal with potentially violent offenders who have come into contact with police.

Sir Ian informed Authority members that on Tuesday 3 June he attended Assistant Commissioner Tim Godwin's meeting with senior officers from every London borough to reinforce that the police investigate thoroughly every allegation involving potentially violent offenders before some go on to commit more serious violent crime. The intention is to ensure that there is a high level of supervision and risk assessment of investigations in what may appear to be minor incidents that involve violence, or the threat of violence, and which may be a precursor to a more serious attack.

Officers have been tasked to reassess every case on their borough where there is a named or identifiable suspect involved in woundings, assaults, threats to kill and harassment type allegations with a view to expediting everything that can be done and taking appropriate action.

Len Duvall, chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, said today:

"There are legitimate questions about whether the MPS did all it could in the weeks leading up to the tragic murder of Arsema Dawit that must be answered as a matter of urgency.

"An internal MPS review of police action into the crime allegation prior to the murder is already underway, together with a separate Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation, and we expect thorough, timely reports to pinpoint exactly what happened.

"We want to be reassured that no similar cases exist and that every instance reported to the police is investigated with the urgency and thoroughness it needs. We all recognise that this is a matter both of public protection and confidence in London's police service and the Authority welcomes the actions within the Met outlined to us today by the Commissioner."

"However, we realise that this can do nothing to relieve the pain and anguish felt by the family and friends of Arsema Dawit and our thoughts and prayers are with them."

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office

Westminster community and police groups meet together for first time

Celia Prentice on 9 April 2008 at 10:44

Tags: 2008, community consultative group, cpg, london, mpa, mps, news, police, press release, press releases, westminster,

18/08
8 April 2008

Police engagement with local communities and the impact on crime and safety of safer neighbourhoods teams are among the items for discussion at the very first Westminster-wide meeting of the borough's three community/police consultative groups tonight.

Chair Rachel Whittaker, Metropolitan Police Authority lead member for Westminster, who is chairing the meeting, said:

"The three Westminster community/police consultative groups are long-established and perform a pivotal role in terms of community/police liaison and understanding, and promote greater cooperation between local people and the police who are there to serve them.

"Westminster police, headed up by Commander Steve Allen, have a very good relationship with Westminster's residents, and the meeting tonight is an important development in bringing together all those who are working to reduce crime and the fear of crime in our borough.

"We will be discussing a range of issues, including the policing priorities for the forthcoming year, the success of the Safer Neighbourhoods policing initiative which has seen dedicated teams of police and police community support officers in every borough, as well as matters of concern to local people.

"This is the first of what we hope will become a twice-yearly event and we hope it will be supported by residents who are very welcome to attend."

The meeting will be held in the Westminster Council Chamber, Westminster Council House, Marylebone Road, at 6.30pm tonight.

ENDS

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

Young people and the Commissioner - face to face at the MPA

Celia Prentice on 31 March 2008 at 15:16

Tags: 2008, commissioner, london, mpa, mps, news, press release, press releases, scrutiny, youth,

15/08
31 March 2008

Young people from all over London gathered to put their questions to the Commissioner at a meeting held by the MPA on 27 March 2008, and to share their experiences of policing in the capital.

The event was the culmination of a series of consultative activities organised by the MPA with young people over the past six months as part of the MPA youth scrutiny.

Richard Sumray, MPA member and youth scrutiny chair said:

“This was a great opportunity for young Londoners to put their views about policing in our capital directly to the Commissioner. Many adult practitioners, professionals and commentators are currently airing their views on why young people become victims or perpetrators of crime but we rarely hear the views of young people themselves.

“The information gathered through these events will be published in a report, which will be going to the Authority meeting on 29 May. The MPA will then continue its work on the youth scrutiny by making sure its recommendations are implemented by the Met in their youth strategy and on the ground in day-to-day policing.”

The Commissioner Sir Ian Blair said:

“This kind of meeting is very important – it enables us as police officers to hear first hand what London’s young people expect and need from us.

”Building positive relationships with all our communities, especially young people, is integral to successful policing in London and this was a major step in the right direction. Young people are an asset to London and it is clear that this event was well attended by police officers so they could listen to and learn from what the audience was telling us.”

Issues discussed by the group included how to stop young people getting involved in gangs, how younger people are forced into drug dealing by others, and the lack of adequate youth provision.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

MPA appoints new Metropolitan Police commanders

Celia Prentice on 17 March 2008 at 10:27

Tags: 2008, commander, commanders, mpa, mps, news, police, press release, press releases,

12/08
14 March 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority has appointed nine new commanders to
the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), equivalent to assistant chief
constables in other forces.

They are: Craig Denholm (Surrey Police), Richard Morris (Surrey
Police), Maxine de Brunner, Ali Dizaei, Simon O'Brien, Simon Pountain,
Jerry Savill, Peter Spindler and Moir Stewart (all Metropolitan Police
Service).

A panel of six MPA members interviewed the candidates. Paul Stephenson,
the Deputy Commissioner, acted as police adviser, and Catherine
Crawford, Chief Executive and Clerk to the Authority, also advised the
panel.

MPA Chair, Len Duvall, who led the promotion panel, said:

"The Metropolitan Police Authority congratulates the successful
candidates. All applicants were of a high calibre, and impressed the
panel with their strategic and tactical knowledge, and policing
experience. But we believe we have chosen the most skilled to join the
Met's strategic command and their new roles will be announced by the
Commissioner in due course.

We expect them to use their skills, expertise and professionalism to
deliver efficient and effective policing for the people of London."

Commenting on the promotions Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson said:

"The role of commander in the Met is a demanding one and requires
exceptional dedication and commitment. I expect the successful
candidates to reward the faith placed in them by the MPA by delivering
quality policing in London to that very high standard. I wish them the
best of luck".

Notes to Editors

The new commanders currently hold the following posts:

Maxine de Brunner - Serious Crime Directorate MPS
Craig Denholm - Surrey police service
Ali Dizaei - Borough Commander Hammersmith and Fulham MPS
Richard Morris - Surrey police service
Simon O'Brien - Borough Commander Tottenham
Simon Pountain - Serious Crime Directorate MPS
Jerry Savill - Borough Commander Tower Hamlets MPS
Peter Spindler - Directorate of Professional Services MPS
Moir Stewart - Stockwell review group MPS

The MPA members who sat on the interview panel were:

Len Duvall - MPA Chair
Reschard Auladin - MPA Deputy Chair
Rachel Whittaker
Richard Sumray
Elizabeth Howlett
Faith Boardman

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

Successful crime fighting projects building safer communities across London: 2008 Problem Solving Awards

David Lenton on 26 February 2008 at 11:53

Tags: 2008, award, awards, gla, greater london, greater london authority, london, met, met police, metropolitan police authority, metropolitan police service, mpa, mps, news, police, police force, police officer, police service, policing, press release, press releases, problem solving, problem solving award, safer travel problem solving award,

08/08
25 February 2008

The winners of the 2008 Problem Solving Awards, celebrating innovative projects to promote safer communities across London, were announced this afternoon.

Eleven projects to promote community safety across the capital were short listed for the top prizes.

For the first time there is also a separate category of award, the Safer Travel Problem Solving Award, contested by four projects.

2008 Problem Solving Award winners:

1st place:
Gascoigne Estate burglaries, Barking and Dagenham.

2nd place:
Anti-social behaviour by groups of youths on the Cleveland estate Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets.

3rd place:
'Parklife' - combating disorder through partnership in Lower Morden, Merton.

Safer Travel Problem Solving Award winner:

1st place:
Criminal damage to buses in Fullwell, Redbridge.

The winner of the Problem Solving Award was presented with a cheque for £10,000.

The winner of the Safer Travel Award received a cheque for £5,000.

The Problem Solving Award, a collaboration between the Metropolitan Police Authority, Metropolitan Police Service and the Safer London Foundation, celebrates initiatives that develop problem oriented policing techniques - in essence projects that are responsive to local needs, are people focused and address the causes of crime, not just the consequences. The projects are conceived and put into practice in partnership between local police and communities.

The Safer Travel Award, sponsored by Transport for London, is about recognising excellence in problem-oriented policing and innovative approaches to further improving safety and security on London's public transport system.

Presenting the 2008 Problem Solving Award, Cindy Butts, Deputy Chair of the MPA, said:

"The Metropolitan Police Authority is once again delighted to see so many effective projects that have had such positive results in the local community. I offer my congratulations to everyone who entered their projects but especially to the winners who have set a high standard for next year's entrants to be judged by.

"The Authority firmly believes the problem oriented approach to policing makes a significant contribution to reducing criminality and anti-social behaviour at the local level and helps to achieve our aims of reducing the fear of crime and making our communities safer environments to live and work in."

Tony Shepherd, Chief Executive of the Safer London Foundation, said:

"The Foundation is pleased to once again be a partner in the Safer London Problem Solving Awards. This year there has been a large number of high quality, innovative applications and selecting the winners has been a difficult task. Clearly the problem solving approach to policing is now being undertaken in many areas of London and is making a significant contribution to contemporary policing in the Capital."

Tim Godwin, Assistant Commissioner Territorial Policing, Metropolitan Police Service, said:

"I am very pleased to be involved with these awards. The winners deserve every credit. Their determination, focus and partnership approach have resulted in some excellent examples of the work that is going on across London to address the fear of crime and issues of community safety and reflects the MPS' commitment to safer neighbourhood teams and problem solving policing."

Presenting the Safer Travel Problem Solving Award, Jeroen Weimar, Chief Operating Officer (Enforcement and Compliance), Surface Transport, Transport for London, said:

"TfL is pleased to be part of these awards and to have the opportunity to recognise initiatives which are improving the travelling experiences of everyone who uses public transport in London. The problem-solving approach to dealing with crime and disorder issues on and around the public transport network can produce brilliant results and plays a vital role in reducing the fear of crime."

Notes to editors

1. Inaugurated in January 2006, the Problem Solving Awards recognise the achievements of partnership projects between the police and local communities to reduce crime and disorder. The awards are a collaboration between the Metropolitan Police Authority, the Metropolitan Police Service and the Safer London Foundation, the independent charity that aims to reduce crime, promote community cohesion and develop safer neighbourhoods through innovative community led crime reduction projects.

2008 Problem Solving Award winning projects:

2. 1st place:
GASCOIGNE ESTATE BURGLARIES:
Barking and Dagenham

The Gascoigne Estate was having particular problems with Burglary. Some residents had been burgled as many as five times in the previous 12 months - particularly ground floor flats.

It was discovered that the windows of these flats had numerous weaknesses relating to the locking. Due to lack of community engagement and fear, the residents were unwilling to come forward against the offenders, who in turn took advantage of this situation.

In order to reduce Burglary within the estate, make the estate a safer and cleaner place to live, and to build community engagement, various measures were enacted, including;

• High visibility policing.
• Increasing community involvement in community safety and young people schemes
• Crime prevention work including the installation of new window locks.
• Cleaning teams assigned to remove graffiti and domestic/bulk refuse.

As a result there was a 75% reduction in residential burglary in the three months February to April 2007 compared to the previous three month period (November 2006 to January 2007). This significant trend of burglary reduction has continued. Residents are more forthcoming in reporting crimes, and there is a positive turnaround in residents' perception and understanding of community engagement.

2nd place:
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR BY GROUPS OF YOUTHS ON THE CLEVELAND ESTATE BETHNAL GREEN:
Tower Hamlets

In March 2005 the Bethnal Green South Safer Neighbourhoods team (SNT) began a problem solving process to address the twin aims of reducing anti-social behaviour and fear of crime among residents on the Cleveland estate in east London. As the SNT worked with partners and interacted with the young people on the estate it became apparent that there were several underlying community cohesion issues that needed to be addressed. Levels of mistrust between young people and the elderly on the estate, and between young people and the police, were high.

In response the SNT and their partners held a 'World Café' event, which brought the residents together and enabled them to bring issues of concern into the open. To demonstrate their commitment to improving their relationships with young people on the estate, the SNT suspended work on Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC) applications.

In January 2006 the police and young people took part in mediation sessions to progress the initiative. A number of these young people began training in community development and some went on to become peer youth workers. The partnership commissioned a community film project to record and publicise the commitment of those living and working on the estate to work together to improve their environment.

This innovative approach to tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour and improving community cohesion has been enormously successful. Between January 2005 and March 2007, recorded crime on the estate fell 49%. The proportion of residents who considered youth-related anti-social behaviour to be a serious problem fell from 100% in August 2005 to 36% in March 2006, and some individuals previously identified as instigators of anti-social behaviour on the estate have become peer youth workers.

3rd place:
'PARKLIFE' - COMBATING DISORDER THROUGH PARTNERSHIP IN LOWER MORDEN:
Merton

Analysis of Merton's 2005 Annual Residents' Survey identified the Lower Morden ward as having the highest fear of crime in the borough. A consultation exercise to find the cause pointed the finger squarely at King George's Playing Field, a park situated in the centre of the ward, whose broken down fence allowed access to the park via open, privately-owned alleyways. There was increasing youth disorder in the park and in the streets around it, as it had become a focus for the gathering of local youths to drink and smoke. The quiet residential streets in the vicinity became awash with graffiti and a park ranger living in a tied house in the park was subject to frightening victimisation.

In response, funding was acquired to replace the fence for the 1.5km perimeter of the park with a 5m high ultra-modern version. Resident Action Groups were formed around existing Neighbourhood Watches and alley gates installed. These resident groups were given incident diaries in which to record anti-social behaviour, as there was an issue with under-reporting. Intelligence gathered from these diaries led to the identification of a cannabis factory next to the park, which was selling drugs to the young people in the park. This was raided and an arrest was made.

Diversion and engagement of the youths in the park took place, led by the Safer Neighbourhoods police team but with assistance from youth outreach workers, and 'Reclaim the Park' events took place, including several youth football tournaments organised by the local police team.

Fear of crime in the ward dropped: in 2005 75% expressed concern about crime, compared to 58% in 2007; calls to police in the park or its perimeter dropped by 34%; and graffiti callouts to the park dropped by 39%.

Safer Travel Problem Solving Award winning project:

3. CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO BUSES IN FULLWELL:
Redbridge

Fullwell Safer Neighbourhoods team led a project designed to address the disproportionate levels of criminal damage to buses on Route 169 in the ward. This crime trend caused considerable concern because public transport was the only available method of travel for a large proportion of the local community.

The main objective of this project was to address this issue on a long-term basis, and in doing so prevent further bus service withdrawals, whilst also improving safety for bus drivers and members of the public. It was hoped that during, and as a direct result of the initiative, good working relationships would be built with all the partner agencies involved.

A multi-agency partnership was created which implemented several measure including: reglazing the bus shelter; replacing the paving and improving lighting in the area; and tackling the offending behaviour of those believed responsible by way of education as well as enforcement.

The project achieved all of its objectives: dramatically reduced crime levels on the Route 169; improved public confidence in the police and public transport; reduced fear of crime; and excellent professional partnerships.

4. The MPA Scrutiny on Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), published in January 2003, included a recommendation to develop the use of problem oriented policing across London (Recommendation 28:The MPA recommends the problem oriented policing model as good practice for boroughs and CDRPs. It recommends that the MPS evaluate how the model works in those boroughs where it has been implemented and considers how it can be developed for use in all London boroughs). The scrutiny report is available at: www.mpa.gov.uk/reports/cdrpscrutiny.htm

5. Formed in 2005, the Safer London Foundation helps to reduce crime in London by supporting and funding innovative community-based crime reduction projects. It works in partnership with the police, government and business to make London's neighbourhoods safer places to live, work and visit. SLF corporate volunteers and mentors work across the capital's diverse communities, providing a unique and valuable link between the people of London and its businesses. More information about the Safer London Foundation is available at: www.saferlondonfoundation.org.uk

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office 

MPA appoints Metropolitan Police Service’s new Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations

David Lenton on 7 February 2008 at 22:27

Tags: appointment, assistant commissioner specialist operations, bob quick, gla, greater london, greater london authority, london, management board, met, met police, metropolitan police authority, metropolitan police service, mpa, mps, news, police, police force, police officer, police service, policing, press release, press releases,

05/08
7 February 2008

The Metropolitan Police Authority today appointed Bob Quick to become the Metropolitan Police Service’s new Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations.

The role of Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations comprises the Counter Terrorism Command, Specialist Protection and Royalty Protection.

Bob Quick is currently Chief Constable of Surrey Constabulary.

The interviews were conducted by a panel of six MPA members, with Sir Ian Blair, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and Denis O’Connor, Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, acting as police advisers. Charles Farr, Director-General of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism, represented the Home Secretary’s interest in counter-terrorism policing. Catherine Crawford, MPA Chief Executive, was also in attendance.

MPA Chair Len Duvall, who led the interview panel, said:

“This is a very challenging position within the MPS which requires the appointment of an outstanding officer with significant experience. Essential to the role is both a commitment to protect the UK from international terrorist activity, as well as the requirement for effective communications skills to work together with our communities in London, the most diverse capital city in the world.

“All of us on the panel were impressed by each candidate’s skills. However, Bob Quick impressed us with his particular display of knowledge and the leadership qualities he will bring to this vital position.”

Commissioner Sir Ian Blair described the post of Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations as “undoubtedly one of the toughest jobs in UK policing”.

Sir Ian said:

“I am delighted to welcome an officer of Bob Quick’s calibre to the Management Board of the MPS and have no doubt he has the skills and all round policing experience needed to be effective in this incredibly demanding post.

“Protecting London against terrorism will remain the Met’s number one priority for the foreseeable future and taking the strategic lead in that at Assistant Commissioner level requires real dedication and commitment.

“All the applicants were of a high calibre but I have no doubt the person with the right skills and experience has been chosen for this important and demanding position.”

Notes to Editors

1.    Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations: The post holder is a member of the MPS Management Board and is directly responsible to the Commissioner. The post's principal accountabilities are to:

• provide strategic and effective leadership and vision to fight terrorism. Provide protection and maintain the confidence of other key agencies and forces;
• safeguard all communities through professional excellence in counter terrorism, security and protection;
• be ahead of changing national and international threats from terrorism and extremism and to develop further the capability and capacity to meet those threats;
• provide an effective liaison with colleagues in London boroughs and other parts of the Metropolitan Police Service in order to inform counter terrorism, security and protection responses;
• increase early identification of threats from terrorism, and opportunities for countering them; and
• enhance the security of key locations and protected persons.
  

2.    The appointment to Assistant Commissioner is for a five year fixed term period at an annual salary of £168,006 plus benefits.

3.    The closing date for receipt of applications was Friday 4 January 2008. Shortlisting took place on 31 January 2008, with an assessment process on 4 February for the shortlisted candidates. Interviews were held on 7 February 2008.

Further media information

For further information, please contact the MPA press office.