Metropolitan Police (Islington Street Intervention Plan)

Metropolitan Police Approach – Summary.

This abstract provides a brief overview of the ‘Street Crime Intervention Plan’ operated in the London Borough of Islington. The plan has been developed in consultation with the local Crime Reduction Partnership and is designed to complement the Partnership’s crime reduction strategy. Whilst mechanisms for the evaluation of the plan are detailed in the source document, no external evaluation has been conducted and all details reproduced here are taken from a source document provided by the Metropolitan Police. This abstract is not intended to be a definitive document and interested parties should contact DCI David Eyles on 0208 345 0507, or Simon Harding at the London Borough of Islington on 0207 527 2000 for further details.

The plan details three key areas for intervention – offenders, victims and the environment, and is based on a comprehensive analysis of street crime within the Borough. The plan is representative of an intelligence led approach and has briefing, tasking and training systems to support its implementation.

The plan has three objectives:

To reduce the numbers of offenders engaged in street crime and burglary.

1. A comprehensive database of intelligence has been collated enabling a proactive approach to the identification and targeting of offenders. A dedicated pair of analysts undertakes detailed analysis of offenders, criminal networks and crime patterns. When fully developed, the database will include photographs and video footage; for example, video footage of premises searches.

The analysts have responsibility for gathering information and formulation of databases that enable:

• The identification of suspects for crimes based on their modus operandi, the geographical location and description of offences.

• The identification of travelling criminals

• The identification of criminal associates and networks – this includes the handlers, drug suppliers (if they steal to support an addiction), and areas frequented for the misuse of drugs and other criminal activity.

• The formulation of localised witness albums which include travelling criminals

• Body mapping of suspects for street crime

• The identification of premises that provide accommodation or education for young offenders

1. Three borough crime cars are utilised by plain-clothes personnel who provide an immediate and enhanced response to street crime and recent burglaries. These officers are responsible for the securing and preserving of best evidence and victim care.

2. A variety of tactics designed to disrupt the activities of target offenders and their criminal networks are also employed. These include home visits, overt video recording, curfew visits, fast tracking of key nominals through identification procedures, fast tracking of warrants and forensic evidence, surveillance and financial investigation, positive charging policy, and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts.

To reduce the opportunity to commit crime within hotspots

This objective focuses on the environment within which crimes occurs. Tactics include, the compilation of an accurate database of all CCTV systems throughout the Borough, the utilisation of a mobile camera system, directed patrolling, media campaigns, overt video recording, covert operations in hotspots, and a schools education programme that complements the local crime reduction strategy. Tactics are also used to disrupt the activities of drug suppliers in hotspot areas where clear links between drug addiction and street crime exist.

To reduce the number of victims of street crime

A comprehensive victim analysis has been undertaken and complements the analysis of crime patterns. This facilitates the targeting of sections of the local population and assists in the deployment of resources in hotspots. A variety of media are also used to convey basic crime prevention advice.

Can this plan help me - Key points to consider?

• Does the partnership have the appropriate analytical support required to produce the tactical assessments, problem and target profiles required?

• Are there systems in place to ensure that intelligence analysis and tactical activities are conducted within ECHR and Data Protection guidelines?

• Are the tactical options relevant to the problems in your area?

• Do the briefing and tasking systems that underpin this plan exist in your area?

• What training is necessary to ensure effective implementation of the plan, i.e. the need for crime car personnel to have a sound understanding of the case law relating to street identification?

The London Borough of Hackney has also developed a similar plan for tackling street robbery. Click here for a table showing the plan.