Statement by Len Duvall: the role of military personnel seconded to MPS Specialist Operations

27 July 2006

Following questions raised by members of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Len Duvall, Chair of the Authority, has sent the following note of clarification:

"At some MPA meetings Members have asked about the role and number of military personnel seconded to MPS Specialist Operations and about the protocols that govern such secondments.

“I am therefore writing to clarify the very specific roles, duties and powers of Ministry of Defence (MoD) military personnel working temporarily within MPS Specialist Operations.

“All those seconded to the Metropolitan Police Service from the Ministry of Defence are assigned to their post by Ministerial instruction, from either the MoD or the Home Office. Ministers govern secondment periods but there are never more than ten people on secondment to Specialist Operations at any one time. People on secondment are subject to the management and direction of the MPS, but if matters requiring disciplinary action arise, command is referred back to the management of the secondee’s home organisation.

“MoD personnel do not carry firearms; nor do they have powers of arrest. I am assured by the MPS that there are strict checks and balances in place to ensure that operational codes of practice are not breached whilst such personnel are on secondment and I am satisfied that this is the case.

“This is an historic arrangement between the MoD and MPS and over the years has been mutually beneficial to both organisations. I hope this answers any questions you may have on this issue.”

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