WIREDGOV

Stockwell - still cause for concern, but Met commit to action

HM INSPECTORATE OF CONSTABULARY News Release issued by COI News Distribution Service on 8 June 2009

Although the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) have made considerable improvements in organising their complex and fast moving operations, further work is needed if a recurrence of the tragic death of Jean Charles de Menezes is to be avoided. That's the verdict of HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC), in the report "Stockwell - MPS progress" published today.

Denis O'Connor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, said, "There is some way to go before the public can have confidence in the changes made by the MPS."

The review was undertaken at the request of the Metropolitan Police Authority, because of high levels of public interest in the Stockwell case.

The report found several projects to improve police operations following the Stockwell event still did not have clear deadlines for delivery, while overall planning needed to be streamlined across departments.

The review called for strong and consistent leadership to ensure that MPS departments worked closely together to complete the projects on time. Mr O' Connor commented, "It is now four years since this tragedy - the MPS must set deadlines and finish these projects, to enable them to work seamlessly and safely in the future".

"I am pleased that Sir Paul Stephenson, Commissioner at the MPS, has assured me that these projects will be delivered within the next twelve months under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner. It is in the public interest that this work is completed transparently, comprehensively and quickly", concluded Mr O' Connor.

The report shows that the MPS has made progress since the last review in January 2008, including implementing:

* a new communications system
* improved training, especially in firearms command and surveillance; and
* a robust system for managing surveillance.

The MPA will be monitoring progress on a monthly basis to ensure completion within a year.

ends

Notes to Editors

1. The report "Stockwell - MPS progress" is published on 8 June 2009 - see http://www.inspectorates/homeoffice.gov.uk/hmic

2. HMIC has been in existence for more than 150 years as an independent body with a remit to inspect police in the public interest. It inspects all 43 police forces in England and Wales together with other major policing bodies such as the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the British Transport Police.

3. Through the inspection of police organisations and functions, and through national thematic reviews, HMIC aims to promote efficiency and effectiveness of policing in the UK to ensure that agreed standards are achieved and maintained.

4. HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary is the principal adviser to the Home Secretary on policing matters and produces an annual 'state of the nation' report on police performance. HMIC is developing a public-facing website to keep communities and citizens informed on how well their local police are doing.

5. Further information on the role of HMIC can be found at: http://www.inspectorates.homeoffice.gov.uk/hmic

For further information please call 020 7035 3535.