Metropolitan Police Authority - Policing and Performance Plan 2002/03

34/02
02 April 2002

The MPA’s Policing and Performance Plan 2002/03 was published today, 2 April 2002. It reflects the MPA’s desire to set fewer but clearer priorities and objectives for the MPS. 

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA said:

“In selecting priorities we have consulted widely and assessed the Met’s performance in key areas. As the police authority for the capital we have also had to respond to the events of 11 September. Accordingly, we have set four priorities:

• increasing the security of the capital against terrorism;
• creating safer communities for Londoners;
• improving the police response to vulnerable victims; and
• tackling youth offending.

“These priorities are underpinned by challenging performance targets which, importantly, are regarded as realistic by the Commissioner and senior MPS managers. Indeed, some of our key targets were selected after consulting with Borough Commanders in line with our continued drive to establish borough commands as the main focus of policing.”

The MPA is also ensuring more police officers are available for local use. The target last year to recruit 1,050 police officers was met and the aim is to recruit over 1,200 more police officers during 2002/03. The proportion of members from minority ethnic communities joining the MPS has also risen and this momentum needs to be maintained.

Toby Harris added: 

“More work is needed if we are to make the most effective use of these additional recruits: there is little point in Londoners paying for more police officers if they are not used for policing. Changes in working practices, structures and the use of technology can all serve to free-up police time and improve the quality of policing as well as increasing the effective number of police officers available for operational work. 

“Most importantly all members of the MPA recognise the considerable demands faced by everyone in the MPS and we are grateful for the day-to-day work of police officers and civil staff who turn the Authority’s plans into reality.“

The Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, said: 

“I am grateful for the support that the Authority continues to give the Service in terms of resources and advice.

“Last year was probably one of the most testing times for the Metropolitan Police Service. It was certainly one of the busiest. Throughout the year, public order and terrorism were a significant feature of policing the capital. 

“Priorities for 2002/03 have been selected by the MPA in response to a broad range of information we have gathered from local Crime and Disorder Strategies, public attitude surveys and community consultation groups. Londoners have made it clear that they have specific concerns and our priorities will concentrate policing resources on the areas that matter to them.”

The MPA is actively taking forward elements of the government’s reforms of policing, for example by introducing a pilot scheme for community support officers selected, trained and equipped to support police officers. It is also committed to delivering clear improvements in performance and effectiveness through its statutory programme of best value reviews.

Notes to editors

1. The MPA prepares an annual plan in accordance with the Police Act 1996 (section 8) and Local Government Act 1999 (section 6).
2. The MPA Policing and Performance Plan 2002/03 is available on the MPS website www.met.police.uk
3. There is also a link from the MPA website 
4. Hard copies of the report will be available at a later date, to be advised.

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