Agenda item

To receive an update from Superintendent Chris Byrne, Enfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, North Area BCU.

Superintendent Chris Byrne introduced the presentation which provided an overview on Reforming the Met and the implications for Local Policing in Enfield, and he advised that off the back of the Baroness Casey Review there has been some fundamental changes in the way in which business will be conducted which is a real positive change. The Met is moving towards a model which is dramatically different, but it is an exciting time ahead.

Further information was provided including detail on a selection of themes which were highlighted in Baroness Casey’s Review. Superintendent Byrne went on to speak about the values and guiding principles which had been set to help deliver cultural reform across the Met. These values and principles will be embedded in HR processes that develop and assess staff, meaning that everyone is judged by how they work. He also provided information in relation to community crime-fighting and anti-social behaviour and working with Londoners to keep them safe. Data will be better used to understand the demands faced and officers will then be deployed to communities where the biggest difference can be made. Specialist teams will be strengthened, and will work closely with local police teams and partners on investigating domestic abuse, sexual offences and child sexual abuse and exploitation. Work will also continue with partners to ensure individuals in need of care and non-crime help get supported by the right agency, freeing up officers’ time to tackle crime. A victim focus desk will also be provided to provide better support and advice.

Discussions took place regarding key progress in the North Area BCU and it was advised that they are actively consulting more with local communities across Enfield and listening to residents’ views to help shape how work is prioritised. All strands have been represented at these community events with more to follow. Community led engagement is taking place across wards to establish their priorities and the way in which ward panel (CAPE) meetings occur is also changing, ensuring greater awareness and attendance with a broader membership to include business owners and young people. Localised Neighbourhood resourcing is increasing on every ward in Enfield, and data is used to allocate resources effectively.

In response to a question regarding abstractions it was advised that these have reduced from Neighbourhoods and Local Investigation Teams by putting more officers in response and abstraction data is constantly reviewed to ensure this plan is working. It was however acknowledged that there had recently been unprecedented demand centrally around protests etc, but this was unavoidable. 

Superintendent Byrne went on to provide detailed information on strengthening Neighbourhood Policing and figures were provided on current and future resources which represents the ambition to increase posts on the Neighbourhood Policing Teams over the next three years (this is subject to recruitment and funding of PCSOs). An increase has already been seen in Sergeants and Inspectors within Neighbourhood Policing and it was advised that under the new model Inspectors will only be managing four wards as opposed to twenty-six.

Further discussions took place, and it was agreed that local policing is the key to overcoming obstacles and engaging with local residents, and this will be achieved by ensuring officers are well briefed and well tasked. It was advised that the Leadership in Enfield is really ‘plugged’ into what the Commissioner is saying and is now developing and becoming stronger.

Further information was provided on the outreach recruitment work which was taking place to increase representation across the Met, and this was welcomed by Members of the Panel.

In response to a question regarding the number of Enfield Officers either on suspension or restricted duties, Superintendent Byrne said that he did not have this information to hand but would circulate it to Members following the meeting.

Action: Superintendent Chris Byrne.

The Chair thanked Superintendent Byrne for his presentation.