Agenda item

To receive a presentation/update on:

•         Stop and search outcomes and tackling racism.

•         Local implementation of the Metropolitan Police Turnaround Plan 2023.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Report to Follow

Received the report of T/Superintendent Chris Byrne (Metropolitan Police Service, Enfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, North Area BCU) which highlighted key aspects and summarised the figures of Stop & Search outcomes and the Mets Turnaround plan within the borough.

The report was NOTED

1. Members questioned whether stop and searches were intelligence led or random. Superintendent Chris Byrne confirmed that they are intelligence led as the police want to be precise and efficient but often it is circumstances.

2. Concerns were expressed for those stopped without a positive outcome to which Superintendent Byrne advised that many different factors in tandem with experience plays a large part in a stop & search. The officer has a key role in managing the experience in a professional manner. The ideal is a 100% outcome, but the grounds must be there in the first instance.

3. In response to questions on whether children are dealt with differently to adults, and those who wear face/head coverings for religious reasons; Superintendent Byrne informed that minors under the age of 10 are dealt with differently.

If someone under the age of 10 is stopped the officer will make a referral to the Merlin system which is a multi-agency safeguarding hub where the police, agencies and the local authority work together to provide a holistic approach. Their parents are also informed.

5. In terms of face coverings, officers can search outer garments, but an officer cannot remove a person’s hat or headwear within public view. There is nothing in law to prevent a male officer searching a female and vice versa but in the interest of best practice that is not done.

6. Members questioned if body worn cameras had led to an increase in officers being reprimanded for their stop and searches. DCI Greg Coates responded that it was rare due to the use of modern technology.

7. In response to a question from Members on the relationship between the police and young people in the area Superintendent Byrne stated that there are some areas in the borough where there just is not a relationship but are keen to build one. It would be nice to reach a point where youths felt comfortable talking to police officers, but we are a long way from that.

8. Members suggested a presence within young groups and youths, working with them in their activities such as at the NYCC in Edmonton to gain their confidence in the police and develop the relationship.

The Metropolitan Police Turnaround Plan 2023

New Met for London now have 5 inspectors in the borough which is very promising and the PSO numbers will grow too. Starting to feel a tangible change which is making it easier to prioritise and target work.

There will also be a dedicated LGTB+ officer, youth engagement officers and a Race & Diversity officer which will be really useful and hopefully breakdown some of the barriers faced.

The Casey report has also resulted in an increased number of Black and Asian people applying to the force.

The Chair commented on how impressed she was with the changes which were overdue and that there are now noticeably more officers in the borough.

Member questions and comments were predominantly focused on the BCU model, race, and abuse of officers.

1. Chris Byrne explained that the BCU model needs time to be imbedded and has its benefits such as shared resources, skills, and assets. There are some drawbacks, such as the loss of buildings but a 3^rd site is currently being sourced. Ideally every ward should be within twenty minutes walking distance from a police station.

2. Concerns were raised for the police officers also for not having a base to which Superintendent Byrne acquiesced.

3. Superintendent Byrne also confirmed that although there were now more Black applicants the retention rate is poor.

4. In response to the concerns raised in regard to the disproportionate number of officers experiencing hate crimes and abuse, and the frustration when the CPI write it off; Superintendent Byrne explained that those crimes were now dealt with by CID to enable a better investigative response which the Members were pleased to hear.

5. Members enquired if there were any incentives to encourage and demonstrate community policing, to build the officers of the future. Superintendent Byrne responded that there are payments, commendations for great work and awards; it is fairly narrow as it is a public service, but it is about recognising good work and making sure that everyone is learning.

6. Members expressed appreciation for the improvements seen, it is noticeable and fantastic to see and speak to so many more police officers on the beat as it is giving the public more confidence.

Action: Superintendent Chris Byrne will update Cllr Hivran Dalkaya on the mailboxes for the safety neighbourhood date.