Issue - meetings

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7