Metropolitan Police Authority - September meeting

67/04
28 September 2004

A meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority will be held in meeting room 1 (ground floor), 10 Dean Farrar Street, London SW1 on Thursday 30 September at 10.00am.

The Authority will be assessing the impact of the introduction of Safer Neighbourhoods teams across London and how it has affected local communities where it is in place. It was launched in April 2004 and each team consists of a sergeant, two police constables and three community support officers.

Len Duvall, Chair of the MPA, pictured, said:

“Londoners have told us that they want to see more officers on their streets; they want the MPS to tackle the crimes that make them feel unsafe such as graffiti, minor criminal damage and other anti social activities. Although the MPS has made significant progress in recent years in bringing down priority crimes such as street crime and burglary, the fear of crime for some of London’s communities has not diminished.

“Dedicated Safer Neighbourhoods teams aim to supply local solutions for local problems so Londoners can feel safe when going about their day-to-day business. The teams work with their communities to identify local priorities and set about producing solutions.

“Latest figures show that Safer Neighbourhoods is having a tangible impact on crime. For example burglary is down 13% in these areas compared to 9% where there is no scheme, and other anti social crimes are showing the same trends. Overall reported crime is down by 3.2% on Safer Neighbourhoods sites compared to 1.8.% across the MPS (April-June 2004).

“The scheme is also having social, economic and environmental benefits and has been supported by multi cultural faith groups across London, who assist in community engagement and consultation. Enfield has just appointed the Met’s first full time borough faith officer who will develop ways for faith groups to become more integrated into local communities. He will also patrol religious schools, synagogues and mosques.

“First results show that the Safer Neighbourhoods scheme is integral to the MPA’s aims to secure continuous improvement in the way policing is provided in London and increase community confidence and trust in London’s police.”

Members will also be asked to agree to the London-wide rollout of a knife crime initiative ‘Operation Blunt’ following its successful launch in Southwark, Sutton and Hammersmith and Fulham. The campaign includes the use of x- ray machines at public events as a preventative measure, a knife amnesty, patrolling of knife crime hotspots and partnership activities, for example in schools, to make carrying knives less fashionable.

Other issues to be considered by the Authority include:

• · MPS clear up rates;
• · Gun Crime Scrutiny update;
• · Restraint and Mental Health Review; and
• · Response to Home Office consultation on modernising police powers.

Commissioner Sir John Stevens will give an oral update on operational policing issues in London and a written performance report. Len Duvall, MPA chair, Catherine Crawford, MPA clerk, and members will give oral updates on MPA issues

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