Decision details

HMIC (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary) Report: National Child Protection Inspections, The Metropolitan Police Service

Decision Maker: Children, Education & Safeguarding Committee

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

Committee to consider the Metropolitan Police response to HMIC report on safeguarding.

Decisions:

The Committee noted that an addendum had been published, which had been provided by the Barnet Borough Commander for Metropolitan Police, Mr Simon Rose. The addendum provided an interim response to the HMIC report from the Metropolitan Police Borough Commanders, pending a full response later in the year.

 

Mr Simon Rose was then invited to the table to introduce the report and answer questions from the Committee.

 

Councillor Helena Hart stated that she was pleased about the new computer system, as stated in the addendum, and asked what specific problems have been raised in Barnet. Mr Simon Rose responded by saying that the criticism in the report was of the Metropolitan Police as a whole, and that the thrust of it was a lack of co-ordination across London. He stated that a mind-set change was needed of Borough Commanders in order to adequately address the issues highlighted.

 

The Commissioning Director, Children and Young People, stated that the Council has introduced a new adolescent service named Reach, which will have a police officer as part of it. He further stated that the Council will also be strengthening the work of the MASH service. In addition to this, he stated that the Council has recently introduced a new missing persons protocol, which has been developed with colleagues in the Metropolitan Police. He clarified that these actions were being taken by the Council in response to the need of the borough, and not just in response to the HMIC’s report. 

 

Mr Simon Rose added to the comment made by the Commissioning Director, Children and Young People, by stating that the MASH service is of a very high quality in Barnet.

 

Councillor Val Duschinsky questioned what improvements have already been made following the Committee’s receipt of the report. Mr Simon Rose stated that much of the training (as stated in the addendum) has already been delivered, and that the local police force is continuing to provide training to all officers. Specifically, the 4-day course of training – as highlighted in the addendum – has already been delivered.

 

Councillor Kath McGuirk stated that a report on violence against women is scheduled for the March meeting of the Community Leadership Committee, and urged that integration of systems should be prioritised by the Metropolitan Police.

 

Councillor Alison Cornelius questioned whether the loss of local knowledge in Barnet would be a problem if the London Boroughs of Brent, Harrow and Barnet are amalgamated into one police area. Mr Simon Rose stated that in the event that this happens, there is a significant possibility that the headquarters would be based in the London Borough of Barnet. He stated that in the event of this happening, there would be no loss of Barnet inspectors who have local knowledge. However, he stated that the main risk that this would present would be establishing where officers patrol from, and how it is ensured that there is adequate coverage in all areas.

 

Councillor Anne Hutton asked about resource allocation, with Mr Simon Rose stating that he believed Barnet has enough officers, and crime reported to be declining. Whilst certain crime rates remain high, and that there would always be a preference for more resource allocation, it remained the fact that the demand on resources has been decreasing.

 

The Chairman stated that, at present the Metropolitan Police give very littleresource to fund the LSCB. He asked what the Committee could do to challenge this and with whom. Mr Simon Rose responded by stating that the Leader of the Council could be the most helpful figure in Barnet to consult in respect to increasing the available funding.  

 

The Chairman then asked what the Metropolitan Police in Barnet are doing in respect to approaching missing persons, child sexual exploitation and serious youth violence. Mr Simon Rose stated that he is aware of a lot of work going on, but was not at liberty to share the majority of the information. He mentioned that there is a progressive and ambitious data sharing system that would streamline information sharing and integration. Furthermore, he stated that the integration of the MASH service at Barnet Council was working proactively with the Metropolitan Police in respect to relevant issues.

 

The Chairman queried what Mr Simon Rose’s thoughts were on how partners view the Metropolitan Police Service’s performance on safeguarding. Mr Simon Rose responded by stating that one of the biggest criticisms would be the lack of adequate and timely information sharing. To resolve this, he stated that the Metropolitan Police would need to be more proactive in respect to working with partners.

 

Cllr Kath McGuirk stated on 8th March 2017 a report would be received by the Community Leadership Committee on violence against women. She requested that this report be circulated to Members of the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee when it becomes available. The Committee agreed, and the Governance Team Leader present stated that he would fulfil this request.

 

Following consideration of the item, the Chairman moved to the recommendations, which were unanimously agreed. The following was therefore RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the Committee noted the report.

 

2.    That the Committee offered its comments on the report published by the HMIC on 25th November 2016 and noted that the comments made will be fed back to the London Borough of Barnet Metropolitan Police.

 

3.    That the Committee noted that, when it is available, the Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) action plan will be brought as a report to a future meeting for the Committee’s consideration.

Publication date: 09/03/2017

Date of decision: 21/02/2017

Decided at meeting: 21/02/2017 - Children, Education & Safeguarding Committee

Accompanying Documents: