Policy and procedure for the naming of police buildings

Report: 7
Date: 04 April 2002
By: Commissioner

Summary

The Sub Committee commissioned from the Director of Property Services a report setting out policy and processes for naming police buildings so that the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) can identify and establish its role in this procedure.

A. Recommendations

1. Stated guidelines will be issued to enable local commanders and the MPA link member to support names for new premises, drawing upon consultation with the community, where appropriate; and
2. A choice of names will be passed through Property Services Department, who will ensure that anyone with a legal interest in naming the property is approached and their agreement sought. Property Services Department will forward proposals to the Estates Sub Committee, via the Resource Allocation Committee and Management Board, for formal MPA approval to be given.

B. Supporting information

Introduction

1. Traditionally Police Stations bear the name of the area in which they are situated and the public has long since identified with their local station being named after the community in which it is based. Opportunities to name buildings therefore are normally confined to larger headquarters buildings or residential buildings, such as section houses.

2. A number of parties have an interest in naming newly acquired buildings. The principal occupants might wish to propose a name but this is dependent on the wishes of the property owner and the post office, who confirm the suitability of addresses to ensure that the chosen name does not conflict with that of another address within the locality.

3. Where, for instance, an access road needs to be named (e.g. at the new site for Bromley police station) permission is also required from the local authority planning department.

4. The choice of name needs to reflect the dignity of the service, be 'politically' sensitive to local and national issues and to have a timeless quality. In the past, the names of some Commissioners and Receivers (as the corporation sole for the estate) have been used to identify section houses, creating a lasting memorial to the individual concerned. However, there will be instances where it would be inappropriate for the premises to be so clearly identified as a police building. Any choice of name will need to be appropriate for the many variety of functions that could operate from the premises, as different units come and go.

Process of naming a police building

5. It is suggested that the appropriate local commander(s) and the MPA link member are asked at an early stage to offer names for the premises. A choice will enable any unsuitable to be discarded, if necessary. As with the approach road to the new Bromley Police Station, local people - in this case school children- can be asked to put forward suggestions, particularly if community involvement is important to the acceptance of the premises.

6. Property Services Department would ensure that suggested names are acceptable to any party with a legal interest in the property and would forward suggestions to the Resources Allocation Committee for comment and endorsement by Management Board. The proposals would then be submitted to the Estates Sub Committee for consideration and necessary consultation within the MPA.

7. Any formal clarification of the address would need to be completed with the post office after confirmation of acceptance of a name by the Metropolitan Police Authority.

Choice of names

8. A corporate approach to naming buildings would complement the professional image of the service. However, each building is unique and a narrowly defined range - for example, the names of serving/retired officers/authority members - would limit the choice available and not necessarily reflect the diversity and functions of the building. Local involvement will bring creative thinking into the process and might introduce some challenging proposals.

9. However, whether named after a person, location, or inanimate object it is suggested that the overriding principles should:

• reflect the dignity and professionalism of the police service;
• withstand the test of time and possible change of occupants of the building; and
• respect the multicultural ethics of the Police Service and the community it serves.

10. Although no process has been initiated, the MPA may consider the naming of a secondary building at Hertford Road, Barking site that will be used to accommodate the serious Crime Group (East).

C. Financial implications

None.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

Report author: Trevor Lawrence, Director Property Services Department, MPS.

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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