Metropolitan Police Authority statement on the case of Mr Delroy Lindo

03/00
7 July 2000

The Metropolitan Police Authority is aware of the case of Mr Delroy Lindo who has been arrested on a number of occasions.

In a statement issued today, the Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Lord Toby Harris said:

“The case has been going on for some time now, and I am aware that the local Haringey Racial Equality Council as well as the Police and Community Consultative Group are actively involved. The MPA has a responsibility to maintain oversight of the way in which the Metropolitan Police Service deal with complaints, and it will take this duty very seriously.

I have raised this matter with the Commissioner and his senior officials and believe it is essential that a full internal inquiry is carried out by the Met into the handling of Delroy Lindo’s case. I am pleased to say that the Met already have plans for such an enquiry which will be implemented immediately.

The MPA has a central role in holding the Met to account, and we will expect them to respond fully and openly to the concerns expressed.

It is the wish of both the MPA and the MPS to enhance the confidence of all the communities of London in their police. Let me reassure the black community, and all other minority ethnic communities in London, that where police action may appear inappropriate or heavy handed, and the action is brought to my attention, as Chair of the MPA, I will take every step to ensure that the Met investigate the case thoroughly and take the necessary disciplinary action where the complaint is established. This is one of the key reasons why the Home Secretary established the MPA, and I have every intention of delivering in this regard.”

Notes to editors

The Metropolitan Police Authority took over responsibility for the Metropolitan Police Service from the Home Secretary on 3 July, marking the most radical change in the policing arrangements for London in 170 years. The Metropolitan Police Authority held its first meeting on 26 June, 2000 at which Lord Toby Harris was elected Chair and Peter Herbert and Richard Barnes were elected Deputy Chairs.

The next meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority will take place on Monday, 10 July, at 10am, in the Harvey Goodwin Suite, Church House, Great Smith Street, London, to which the general public and the media are invited to attend.

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