Statement by Toby Harris, Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority

88/02
3 September 2002

The MPA has successfully delivered increased policing in London.

Over the first two years of our existence, we have reversed the decline in police officer numbers seen in London over the previous ten years.

We are acutely aware that fear of crime is a major problem for Londoners. We have tackled this problem, with the Met, by increasing the visible presence of policing on the streets of London.

Police Community Support Officers started their training yesterday and by March 2003 there will be 500 PCSOs on the streets of London. The London Warden’s Forum launched today is yet another example of the growing police family working together with the Met to tackle lawlessness and anti social behaviour, which can no longer be left to police alone.

We too, like the Mayor, would like to see still more police officers on our streets. However, as the police authority for London, we need to remind him of all the implications involved in recruiting an extra 7,000 officers, such as accommodation, training and infrastructure.

Policing London successfully is of paramount importance to everyone in our city. It is the MPA’s responsibility to ensure the Met is sufficiently supported and resourced to make London a safer city for everyone.

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