Strengthening Local Policing

This paper is recommending the Deputy Mayor of Policing and Crime (DMPC) endorse the approach being proposed by the Strengthening Local Policing (SLP) Programme and the investment required for Tranche 1 from the Major Change Reserve at a cost of £730,000. The Tranche 1 of the programme includes: Testing, Consultation and Quick Wins. The Programme is scheduled to operate in 4 tranches, with the full implementation taking place by March 2018.

That the Deputy Mayor of Policing and Crime (DMPC):

• endorse the approach being proposed by the SLP Programme;
• approve a spend of £730,000 to undertake Tranche 1 of the programme.

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The vision is that by March 2018 local policing will be delivered in a way that is more personal and responsive to the needs of London, helping to tackle crime and disorder more effectively.

1.2. The objectives of the SLP programme are improved quality of service; improved decision making; increasing job satisfaction and the confidence of staff in the services and increased efficiency and productivity.

1.3. The SLP programme is intended to deliver improvements in key areas of revitalising Neighbourhood Policing by providing a total of 1,700 dedicated and ring-fenced neighbourhood officers, Protecting Vulnerable People by increasing resources with a 488 post uplift to tackle risks around the most vulnerable at a more local level by integrating teams, strengthening the Response service by deploying the right resources that are closest to the caller, irrespective of geographic boundaries, and Creating Local Investigation teams which will be able to concentrate on the most serious and complex crimes. Further detail is set out in the Appendix.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. Key principles to be adopted during testing includes; agreement from local authorities willing to engage in testing; tests are intended to build the evidence base to support the proposals; confidence building across London is required; tests will be fully reversible in the event that it is not to go ahead with London-wide implementation therefore Boroughs that agree to engage in the test will not be committing to something indefinitely and a joint governance approach is proposed.

2.2. There are a number of risk associated with this programme, they include

• Operational service might be impacted by the changes during transition or following implementation
• Inability to upskill officers to undertake the roles needed in the local policing model
• Enabling services unable to deliver in time for the SLP programme
• Risk that all of the elements of change within the portfolio are not brought together and aligned which could impact on effectiveness of delivery and key transformational technology not being in place.
• Ineffective communication and engagement with staff about the changes
• Consultation with external stakeholders might take longer and more challenging than planned.

2.3. The proposed costs are to cover additional roles in programme management in relation to communications, benefits, risk, and project management, consultancy support, and IT requirements.

3. Financial Comments

3.1. The £730,000 required for Tranche 1 will be funded from the Major Change Fund.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. There are no legal implications in approving this paper

4.2. In accordance with the MOPAC Scheme of Consent and Delegation, approval is required by the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime for all business cases for revenue or capital expenditure of £500,000 and above.

5. Equality Comments

5.1. There are no direct equality issues arising from this proposal.

6. Background/supporting papers

6.1. Appendix 1