Agenda item

Report of the Commissioner of Police

The Sub-Committee received a report of the Commissioner of Police that summarised performance against measures in the Policing Plan 2017-20 for the period 1 April – 30 September 2017.

The Chairman noted the new format of the report, illustrated his approval, and thanked the team for making the significant improvements over the previous format.  He explained that it was useful to know the outcome in all areas, and suggested that for some this detail was perhaps lacking.

In reference to Measure 1 – The number of crimes committed in the City, the Chairman explained that it was important to recognise and articulate positives in the update when they occur, such as in the case of vehicle crime which has significantly reduced.  The Assistant Commissioner explained that some measures bucked the national negative trend, and so this illustrated good work achieved.

In reference to Measure 2 – The capability and impact the Force is having against countering terrorist activity, the Chairman explained that he was surprised not to see response to London Bridge included.  The Assistant Commissioner explained that this occurred in Q1 and this report related to Q2.

In reference to Measure 3 – The capability and impact the force is having against countering fraud, the Chairman asked for a clarification of the source of the figures.  The T/Chief Inspector of Economic Crime explained that these referrals were all from within the Square Mile.  He explained that most were from businesses, and the number of victims that were residents within the City was very small.

A Member asked if there had been repercussions of legal outcomes from previous failed cash seizures which meant that officers were disincentivised to make seizures.  The T/|Chief Inspector of Economic Crime denied that this was the case.  He explained that lessons had been learned, but willingness to act had not been affected.  The Assistant Commissioner explained that the Force had now refreshed communications and processes around cash seizures.

In reference to Measure 4 – The capability and impact the Force is having against countering fraud, the Chairman noted the consistently good satisfaction ratings.  The T/ Chief Inspector of Economic Crime explained that the newly implemented online system has enabled the CoLP to monitor feedback, but only when the case has been completed, and in some cases, this can mean conclusions are delayed by more than a year as Fraud investigations are notoriously protracted.  He explained that they are now considering methods to monitor feedback in real-time.

A Member asked about the health of funding for victim care, and the T/Chief Inspector of Economic Crime explained that they were hopeful to receive increased funding, but that this had not been confirmed as of yet.  The Assistant Commissioner explained that there had only been one single repeat victim of economic crime, highlighting the good work done by the Victim Care Unit.

In reference to Measure 5 – The capability and impact the Force is having in safeguarding and protecting vulnerable people, the Chairman noted that the number of suicides had increased and requested that any further trend is monitored and commented upon in the narrative. (8)

In reference to Measure 7 – The capability and impact the Force is having in policing City roads, a Member asked about the comment in the narrative that there was a lack of trained officers able to use tachographs.  The Assistant Commissioner acknowledged this and stated that he would check how it was being addressed. (9)  Another Member asked if we were able to ascertain who had been involved in which incidents (e.g. Car vs Cyclist vs Pedestrian).  The Assistant Commissioner explained that this data was all available and is sourced from TfL.  The Member stated his approval at this, and thanked the CoLP for their work done leading to improvements following feedback given on cycle safety operation.

The Chairman noted that the number of total casualties marked within the table incorrectly stated “0”.

In reference to Measure 8 - Public Order and Protective Security, the Chairman noted that the issue with the current number of trained Public Order officers was being addressed positively by the Force.  Members requested assurance that resourcing of upcoming events had been sufficiently considered. The Assistant Commissioner confirmed that the Force was still able to resource current local and national demand but ideally wished to increase resilience in this area. Members asked for an update at subsequent meetings on this issue.  (10)

In reference to Measure 11 – The percentage of people surveyed who believe the police in the City of London are doing a good or excellent job, the Assistant Commissioner explained that surveys had provided similar results to last year, but with approximately twice the number of respondents.

RESOLVED – That the report be received.