The Metropolitan Police

Summer 2012

The challenge

Working in the aftermath of the 2011 riots, we helped the Metropolitan Police to review the systems of community engagement that allow them to gather insight. The system is delivered through a set of Independent Advisory Groups (IAGs). The police wanted to know how effective the groups had been in the run up to the riots, and whether the system could be improved to deliver intelligence more quickly.

How we approached it

Our approach was to develop qualitative engagement sessions with representatives of IAGs from across London. We created an open space where members of IAG could speak freely and anonymously, developing a set of thematic areas for investigation.

What happened

Our final report drew on the thematic areas, delivering straightforward, unvarnished feedback and suggestions from the IAGs. The report was agreed with the Diversity and Citizen Focus Directorate, who took it forward to the next stage.