2003/04 police budget will increase visible policing presence across the capital

12/03
12 February 2003

The Metropolitan Police Authority has welcomed today’s confirmation at the meeting of the London Assembly of a £2.2 billion policing budget for 2003/04.

The budget provides for an additional 1,000 police officers and 500 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) next year, as well as a further 200 officers and 157 PCSOs for transport policing funded by Transport for London. This will mean total police officer numbers of nearly 30,000 by March 2004, a 16% increase since July 2000 when the Police Authority was established.

In addition, the budget should enable around 450 officers to be released from control room duties to return to front line policing. It is also expected that up to 1,000 police community support officers will be in post by March 2004, enhancing the visible policing presence across the capital.

However, at the same time there is a continuing drive for greater efficiency and as a result of this budget the Metropolitan Police will have made savings in excess of £100 million over three years.

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, said:

“This budget is good news for Londoners. The majority of the new officers it delivers will be allocated to borough policing and, together with our ongoing recruitment of police community support officers, will contribute to greater police presence on London’s streets and enhance public reassurance.

“The budget also ensures more funding and support to tackle local crime and disorder issues in partnership with local councils and communities. The Authority actively works to foster partnership approaches to resolving crime and anti-social behaviour across London and welcomes this extra provision.

“The Commissioner will also be able to strengthen police involvement in child protection, murder investigation and the fight against gun crime, all of which are of critical importance and unfortunately constantly in the public eye at present.

“The Authority will continue to strive for greater efficiency savings and to ensure effective financial management remains a priority for the MPS.”

Toby concluded:

“At the same time there is a need to maintain vigilance on counter-terrorism which the Government has recognised by providing specific funding.’

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