Special Police Services Agreement with Poplar HARCA

Poplar HARCA (a registered social landlord) has requested special police services (SPS) under Section 25 of the Police Act 1996 to combat crime and anti-social behaviour across their 13 managed estates. The request is for an initial 12 months from 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2019 with the option of extending for multiple 12 month periods on provision of written notice. The SPS is to be provided by a dedicated police team of one Police Sergeant and four Police Constables at an initial cost of £346,624 for the first year.

The DMPC is asked to approve:

1. The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to approve of the Special Police Services Agreement (SPS) with Poplar HARCA.

2. The SPS is to be provided by a dedicated police team of one Police Sergeant and four Police Constables at an initial cost of £346,624 for the first year, with the option of extending for multiple 12 month periods on provision of written notice.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The role of the dedicated police team is to provide SPS to Poplar HARCA with a focus to combat anti-social behaviour, drugs and local crime issues as well as engagement in Poplar HARCA tenanted areas. Poplar HARCA (a registered social landlord) has requested special police services (SPS) under Section 25 of the Police Act 1996 to combat crime and anti-social behaviour across their 13 managed estates.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. There is provision in the SPS Agreement for Poplar HARCA to formally request to extend the SPS Agreement for further subsequent 12 month periods. Due to this provision the approval of the SPS Agreement is viewed as requiring the approval of the DMPC.

3. Financial Comments

3.1. The charge for SPS to Poplar HARCA for the period 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2019 is reflective of the full cost recovery of one Police Sergeant and four Police Constables at a total annual cost of £346,624. The total cost of the Police Sergeant and Police Constables for each successive year of the SPS Agreement would be adjusted to ensure it continues to represent full cost recovery.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. The MPS may provide policing resources to Poplar HARCA under Section 25 of the Police Act 1996. Under that Act the Commissioner may, at the request of any person, provide SPS at any premises or in any locality in the police area for which the force is maintained, subject to payment to MOPAC on charges on such scale and on such terms as it may determine.

4.2. The final decision rests with the DMPC as Section 4.8 of the MOPAC Scheme of Delegation and Consent requires the DMPC to approve the provision of policing services to external bodies where the contract value is £500,000 or above.

5. Equality Comments

5.1. Poplar HARCA, as one of the largest Registered Social Landlord’s in London, has a published Equal Opportunities policy which states that it is committed to equal opportunities, both as an employer and as a provider of housing and community regeneration services. It believes that it is important to have an inclusive culture and diverse workforce. The policy reflects the company’s commitment to objectively assess, recruit and reward based on merit.

6. Background/supporting papers

6.1. Report