Metropolitan Police Authority full Authority meeting

43/02
24 April 2002

The Metropolitan Police Authority will meet on Thursday 25 April at 10.00am in Romney House, 43 Marsham Street, London SW1. This meeting is open to members of the public and press.
This month Members will be considering the draft special services agreement with Transport for London (TfL) for the establishment of the Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU). One of the main aims of this unit will be to improve people's feelings of safety when using bus services. The scheme has already been piloted on the 159 bus route, where police officers travelled on the buses to ensure passenger and staff safety. This formal agreement will take forward the development of the TOCU which is due to become fully operational on 10 June 2002. 

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA said:

“This is a very important partnership for two key public service organisations in the capital. One of the main objectives of the scheme is to make London's streets safer for all. We are working together to make sure the public and transport staff feel safe using the bus services, bus stops and the city's roads on the agreed routes. 

“Another important objective is to make sure that buses can move freely and efficiently by making sure agreed routes are kept clear. TOCU staff will maintain a high profile to make sure that illegal parking and other traffic offences have minimal effect on bus operations.

“The TOCU will also be enforcing the law relating to taxis and private hire vehicles and will be deploying 'task forces' to respond to urgent requests for help from TfL on any part of the bus network in the capital.

“The Authority will be closely monitoring the initiative to see how its measures are reducing crime.” 

Members will also be adopting a Code of Conduct for the MPA. As part of the new ethical framework set out in the Local Government Act 2000, the Secretary of State has issued a model code for the members of all public authorities. Every authority must have a code of conduct in place by 5 May 2002 and once agreed all members will be bound by it.

Other items on the agenda include an update report on Police Reform including the extended police family. Members will consider proposals to introduce a scheme to recruit and deploy Community Support Officers in London. Although still in the development process, the aim of this initiative will be to provide further reassurance to communities through the visible street presence of Community Support Officers, and to help tackle quality of life issues that impact on the public perception of the fear of crime. 

The Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, will give his regular verbal update on current operational policing issues in London.

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