PCD 1221 HMICFRS Inspection into the MPS approach to death investigation 

PCD 1221 HMICFRS Inspection into the MPS approach to death investigation  

This decision seeks approval of the cost of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services inspection into the Metropolitan Police Service, following the tragic deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor. 

MOPAC has a statutory responsibility to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the MPS. The outcome of the inquests into the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor had an impact on the trust and confidence of Londoners, particularly the LGBTQ+ community and local people in Barking and Dagenham.  

Whilst much has changed since those horrific murders in 2014/15, it is important that MOPAC seek independent assurance from HMICFRS regarding the investigation of death today by the MPS, to ensure lessons have been learnt. 

The cost of the inspection is £216,000. 

The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime is recommended to:   

1. Approve the commissioning of HMICFRS under the provisions set out in Section 54(2BA) of the Police Act 1996, to conduct an inspection into the MPS approach to death investigation following the tragic murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor 

2. Approve the cost of the inspection of £216,000 (exclusive of VAT) in 2022/23.  

3. Approve the £216,000 cost to be wholly funded from MOPAC budget resilience reserve.  

PART I - NON-CONFIDENTIAL FACTS AND ADVICE TO THE DMPC 

1. Introduction and background 

1. This decision confirms the detail of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services inspection into the Metropolitan Police Service, following the tragic deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor in 2014/15. 

2. The inquests touching the lives of Anthony, Gabriel, Daniel and Jack were completed in December 2021 and the evidence was particularly concerning in relation to the quality of investigation into the deaths, by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). The impact on the families and friends of those who were murdered is distressing and the confidence of the wider community in the police damaged.  

3. The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime immediately requested Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to conduct an inspection, into the way deaths are investigated. Following that request there has been comprehensive engagement with the families, their legal representatives, key stakeholders, the MPS and HMICFRS, to develop and agree the terms of reference.  

4. The inspection will cover the key areas below. The final terms of reference are attached at Appendix A. 

(a) initial death categorisation and investigation procedures; 

(b) family liaison processes in relation to death investigation; 

(c) inclusion, diversity and equalities considerations when investigating death; 

(d) leadership and accountability of death investigation; and 

(e) learning lessons from ongoing investigations. 

5. This decision seeks approval to fund the inspection which will be completed in 2022/23. The final report will be published. 

2. Issues for consideration 

1. MOPAC has a statutory responsibility to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the MPS. The outcome of the inquests into the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor had an impact on the trust and confidence of Londoners, particularly the LGBTQ+ community and local people in Barking and Dagenham.  

2. Whilst much has changed since those horrific murders in 2014/15, it is important that MOPAC seek independent assurance from HMICFRS regarding the investigation of death today by the MPS, to ensure lessons have been learnt. 

3. It will also provide the assurance that steps taken by the MPS in response to the Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths report and the Independent Office for Police Conduct learning recommendations from the initial conduct investigation, are being actioned appropriately. 

3. Financial Comments 

1. The total cost for the inspection amounts to £216,000 and will be incurred in 2022/23.  The cost will be a pressure on the existing approved 2022/23 Strategy & MPS Oversight budget and is therefore recommended to be wholly funded from MOPAC budget resilience reserve. 

4. Legal Comments  

1. Paragraph 4.4 of MOPAC’s Scheme of Delegation provides that the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime has delegated authority to make a request to HM Inspector of Constabulary to carry out an inspection of the Metropolitan Police Service under s54 Police Act 1996.  

2. The HMICFRS have confirmed that they will conduct this inspection under the provisions set out in Section 54(2BA) of the Police Act 1996. 

3. The agreement in respect of this inspection will be signed on behalf of the DMPC by the Director of Strategy & Oversight, subject to approval of this decision by the DMPC. 

5. GDPR and Data Privacy  

1. MOPAC will adhere to the Data Protection Act (DPA) 2018 and ensure that any organisations who are commissioned to do work with or on behalf of MOPAC are fully compliant with the policy and understand their GDPR responsibilities.   

6. Equality Comments  

1. MOPAC is required to comply with the public sector equality duty set out in section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010. This requires MOPAC to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations by reference to people with protected characteristics. The protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. 

2. Inclusion, diversity and equalities considerations are a fundamental part of the terms of reference of this inspection..  

3. Background/supporting papers 

• Appendix 1 HMICFRS Terms of Reference