Late MQT answers June 20
Question No: 2020/1954
Andrew Dismore
The Metropolitan Police have started the process of replacing their heavy anti-riot vehicles: in relation to the vehicles that are to be replaced, when were they first introduced to the Met; why are they considered in need of replacement; what mileage have they each done; and on how many occasions have they been used operationally?
Answer for Anti-riot vehicles [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Anti-riot vehicles [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 01 September, 2020
The MPS operates a number of armoured personnel vehicles. The current vehicles are used periodically for a number of policing functions including safeguarding Officers during public order and firearm incidents based on operational need and assessments. As such the mileages are low in comparison to other assets. Additional information cannot be provided due to operational sensitivities.
This renewal project has been ongoing for over a year as part of the strategic planning of the MPS and the decision to replace is not linked in any way to the current events being experienced in the capital.
Question No: 2020/1958
Andrew Dismore
There appear to have been a growing number of s60 directions issued in Camden, including a number authorised by an acting inspector, i.e. a substantive sergeant. Do you consider it is appropriate for a relatively junior officer to make s60 directions affecting all or a large part of a borough?
Answer for s60 [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
s60 [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 01 September, 2020
Section 60 stops and searches are a useful tool when used properly and any use of police powers must be proportionate and accountable. Section 60 orders have to be authorised by an Inspector and for added assurance these authorisations are reviewed by senior management. There has been an increase recently in their use in response to rising violence, but it is important to note we are nowhere near the huge numbers seen back in 2008/09 where there were ten times as many section 60 stop and searches as now.
Question No: 2020/1959
Andrew Dismore
How many s60 directions have been given affecting a) Camden and b) Barnet in each of the last 3 months; in each case, what was the rank of the officer authorising them; and for the equivalent period last year, how many s60 directions were there in each borough?
Answer for s60 [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
s60 [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 01 September, 2020
Section 60 stops and searches are a useful tool when used properly. Any use of police powers must be proportionate and accountable. Section 60 orders have to be authorised by an Inspector and for added assurance these authorisations are reviewed by senior management.
There has been an increase recently in response to rising violence, but it is important to note we are nowhere near the huge numbers seen back in 2008/09 where there were ten times as many Section 60 stop and searches as now.
The attached file shows the Section 60 authorisations during the three-month periods. It shows that when comparing 2019 with 2020 Barnet has seen a reduction whilst Camden has seen a small increase.
| MPS Section 60 Authorisations issued | ||||
| March 2020 to May 2020 | ||||
| Borough | ||||
| Month Year | Authorising Officer Rank | Barnet | Camden | Grand Total |
| Mar 2020 | Inspector | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Apr 2020 | Inspector | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| May 2020 | Inspector | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Grand Total | 2 | 11 | 13 | |
| MPS Section 60 Authorisations issued | ||||
| March 2019 to May 2019 | ||||
| Borough | ||||
| Month Year | Authorising Officer Rank | Barnet | Camden | Grand Total |
| Mar 2019 | Commander | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Mar 2019 Total | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Apr 2019 | Commander | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Inspector | 4 | 2 | 6 | |
| Superintendent | 0 | 2 | 2 | |
| Apr 2019 Total | 4 | 7 | 11 | |
| May 2019 | Inspector | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| May 2019 Total | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Grand Total | 5 | 10 | 15 | |
ASB and safety around Burnt Oak station
Question No: 2020/1967
Andrew Dismore
Burnt Oak ward Councillors have raised with me repeated concerns about alleyways around Burnt Oak station and Back Lane, where there is a serious problem with drug dealing and ASB. Will you put pressure on Barnet Council to agree to a plan of action to tackle these problems, and a timescale to implement it?
Answer for ASB and safety around Burnt Oak station
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
ASB and safety around Burnt Oak station
The Mayor
Last updated: 01 September, 2020
I recognise how distressing ASB can be and that it can escalate to more serious crimes such as drug dealing which is why ASB is a mandatory priority for all London Boroughs as set out in my Police and Crime Plan and the MOPAC performance framework.
Barnet Council is well aware of the problem and is working closely with the Met to tackle it. The Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) are actively tackling drug dealing in Burnt Oak; Patrols, supported by partners from Barnet Council, have focused on this area and Community Protection Notices have been served on several individuals. The team are currently targeting a small number of premises believed to be linked to drug dealing and other incidents of ASB. North West BCU ran ‘Operation Tutti’ in this area in the week commencing 29 June which resulted in 162 Stop and Searches, 25 Arrests (the majority for drugs supply), 27 Weapon Sweeps, 37 Drug seizures and 5 weapon seizures. The SNTs continue to work with Barnet Council and crime prevention officers (DOCOs) to identify long term solutions.
Question No: 2020/1982
Andrew Dismore
I’ve had a resident raise your plans for greening the main corridors in the City and restricting them to buses, walking and cycling. She has just bought an electric car and is concerned to hear about the restrictions. She would like to know if electric cars are exempt from this and whether they will still be able to use these roads?
Answer for Electric cars
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Electric cars
The Mayor
Last updated: 01 September, 2020
As part of our plans to improve air quality and support safe social distancing in London, car-free zones will be introduced in some central locations, in particular in the City of London. This is vital for the health and safety of Londoners, to enable millions of journeys to be made through the City of London by walking and cycling. Dedicated space is required to safely accommodate the high demand for walking and cycling on these streets, particularly where short Tube trips can be switched to active modes, freeing up space on public transport for those that need it most. Detailed plans are still being developed, with access for emergency services and people with disabilities being prioritised. Access for residents will be maintained although in some instances it may be necessary to use alternative streets to access properties by private motor vehicles.
Question No: 2020/2305
Andrew Dismore
I have been receiving reports of gatherings of dozens of people at Colin Close, Colindale breaking rules on the size of gatherings and social distancing and committing anti-social behaviour, most evenings from 7:30 pm. What action can you take to disperse this group and stop them from doing this again?
Answer for Colin Close
The Mayor
Last updated: 21 July, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Colin Close
The Mayor
Last updated: 01 September, 2020
Throughout COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown and imposition of social distancing rules, the MPS has worked with Barnet local authority to respond to groups in parks and other public spaces. Colin Close is located immediately adjacent to a busy shopping area and since lockdown the MPS has received calls complaining of small groups of individuals in the street generally drinking/talking. Officers have been deployed and found groups had moved on of their own accord or were spoken to using a 4E’s (Engage, Explain, Encourage, Enforce) approach resulting in them moving on. The Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have conducted additional patrols in the area. Barnet local authority are hoping to deploy additional CCTV into the area and there have been no further calls since 30th June. If the problem persists the SNT will work with Barnet local authority and residents to consider a Public Spaces Protection Order for the area or Criminal Behaviour Orders for individuals regularly causing ASB. The evidence for such orders takes time to gather and the MPS must consider both residents and the rights of the public to use public highways/freedom of association when such orders are sought.
