Metropolitan Police Authority - October meeting

83/03
29 October 2003

The Metropolitan Police Authority will meet on Thursday 30 October at 10.00am in Meeting Room 1 (ground floor), 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1. The meeting (part one) is open to members of the public and press.

Members will be expressing their deep dismay and grave concerns following the transmission of the television documentary ‘The Secret Policeman’ on 21 October 2003. The MPA condemned unequivocally the racist views identified in the programme and affirmed that the MPA will continue to work with the Met to ensure that its culture is one that welcomes and promotes diversity.

Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, said:

" We must also do everything we can to reassure all minority ethnic communities that these racist remarks expressed in the documentary do not reflect the views of the majority of police officers.

“ Any form of prejudice is not and will not be tolerated whether it is a flippant remark or a deep seated racist viewpoint.”

The MPA will also be discussing the 2004/5 Draft Budget Submission to the Mayor, specifically the Step Change Programme and a number of other issues:

• The Business Plan, including an analysis highlighting where the Mayor’s policy directives have been addressed in the ‘Towards the Safest City 2003-2005’ strategy and the MPS plans to increase the safety and security of women - a key MPA policy requirement from the Mayor
• Equalities, including the MPA and MPS budget and equalities submission
• Revenue and Capital Budgets

Explaining the Step Change Programme, Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, said:

“Through a step change in policing, London can become the safest major city in the world. This programme puts the emphasis on community-based policing with officers working closely with their neighbourhoods and thereby delivering real reassurance to the public.

“The proposals set out in this business case show that a significant contribution to the cost of the Step Change plan can be made through various means, including the civilianisation of roles currently undertaken by police officers, and through efficiency gains.”

The Commissioner Sir John Stevens will give an update on operational policing issues in London and Toby Harris, Chair of the MPA, Catherine Crawford, Clerk to the MPA and Members will give updates on Authority matters.

Notes to editors

1.The MPA has to submit its draft budget for 2004/2005 by 10 November 2003, in accordance with the timetable set by the Mayor.

2.The Finance Committee has already considered the draft submission and this will be presented to the Full Authority, incorporating the Finance Committee’s recommendations.

3.The draft budget will need to be reviewed in the light of the grant settlement for 2004/5, expected around 20 November.

4.Any implications arising from this will be discussed at a Full Authority meeting, either on 27 November or 9 December.

5.The Mayor will then formally consult on the consolidated budget before presenting his draft proposals to the London Assembly.

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