London Crime Reduction Board meeting minutes - 28 October 2021

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, Chair 

Nick Ephgrave, Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police Service 

Diana Luchford, CEO, MOPAC 

Cllr Jas Athwal, London Councils 

Will Balakrishnan, Director, MOPAC 

Kenny Bowie, Director, MOPAC 

Ian Bickers, London Prisons 

Sinead Dervin, NHS England 

Carolyn Downs, London Councils 

Barry Hughes, Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS 

Lionel Idan, Chief Crown Prosecutor, CPS 

Damian McCleave, Criminal Justice Board 

Mandy McGregor, Transport for London 

Jonathan Pickles, Youth Justice Board 

Cllr Racheal Robathan, London Councils 

Gareth Roberts, London Councils 

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils 

Rhiannon Sawyer, VRU 

Kilvinder Vigurs, National Probation Service 

Claire Waxman, London Victims Commissioner 

Yamini Cinamon Nair, Mayor of London’s Private Office 

David Clarke, MOPAC 

Doug Flight, London Councils 

Jane E Garvan, MPS 

Daniel Houghton, London Councils 

Grace Loseby-Morris, MOPAC 

Tina Price, MOPAC 

Naomi Sterling, MOPAC 

Ella Watson, London Councils 

The board notes of 6 July 2021 were agreed. All outstanding actions were covered in the meeting.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) provided an update and advised the Board regarding the MPS position in terms of the incidents of serious crime against women and girls. It was reported that the MPS were close to finalising an action plan which would give focus to: Increasing the number of perpetrators brought to justice; Reduce attrition that victims suffer through the investigation, prosecution and disposal process; Reducing repeat victimization and; Public space confidence especially for women and girls. It was expected the action plan would be published in coming weeks.  

The Board was advised MPS strategies for reducing violence included close working with the licensing community on issues including the Ask for Angela campaign and Operation Vigilance, whereby plain clothes officers attend night time economy venues to look out for concerning behaviour. Members agreed the strategies were an innovative approach. 

The MPS provided a report on the Autumn Nights campaign which launched on 4 October. It was advised the report included a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) element. 

MOPAC officers provided an update on the VAWG strategy with advice they were working closely with the MPS to support the production of their Rebuilding Trust Action Plan and VAWG Action Plan. It was understood the Police and Crime Plan would provide an overarching structure to the VAWG Strategy. 

The National Probation Service (NPS) stated that much was needed to be done in order to impact change. It was positioned that BAME should cease to be used as an umbrella term. Rather, focus should be given to identifying specific groups impacted by the Criminal Justice System.

It was agreed that there was a need for ‘cultural intelligence and ‘cultural competency’ rather than focus given only to BAME. It was advised that the NPS was conducting work around unconscious bias and that significant success had been achieved in this area. The Mayor welcomed the report, which was considered introspective and a significant step towards achieving positive change in the CJS. 

MOPAC officers provided an update on the Police and Crime Plan (PCP). It was reported the PCP would reflect key priorities, as set out in the Mayor's manifesto, including feedback from partners gained during the pre-consultation.  MOPAC proposed a vision that, ‘London is a Safe City for All’ underpinned by four priority areas. 

There was no other business to discuss.