Protect safer neighbourhood teams, says Assembly

10 MARCH 2010

The current minimum staffing levels for neighbourhood policing must be retained in order to maintain public confidence, the London Assembly has said.

A motion passed unanimously at today’s Assembly meeting urges Mayor Boris Johnson and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson to guarantee that the existing structure of one sergeant, two constables and three community support officers will remain the minimum staffing level for safer neighbourhood teams throughout the capital.

Proposing the motion Jenny Jones AM told the Assembly

“Safer neighbourhood teams are now the backbone of the Met’s connection with the public it serves, building confidence and winning the trust of local communities throughout London providing local policing for local people.  The 1-2-3 structure of the team has proved an effective combination of providing leadership, warranted officers and a reassuringly visible patrolling presence on our streets.  This successful and popular return to policing in communities must not be undermined by cutting back on staffing levels. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.  ”

Seconding the motion Joanne McCartney said:

“We all know that public sector budgets are tight but the Met’s drive for efficiency savings must not be allowed to undermine public confidence a recognisable uniformed presence brings to our streets. The Mayor has said he wants to protect or expand the Met’s frontline services, we’re asking him to reassure Londoners that when it comes to policing their communities that means no reduction in minimum staffing levels for their neighbourhood teams.”

The full text of the motion reads as follows:

“This Assembly notes the wide political consensus there has been in support of the current safer neighbourhood policing model, where each team consists of one sergeant, two constables and three community support officers, as a minimum. It also notes the high level of public support for the current safer neighbourhood team structure and staffing levels (as a minimum).

The Assembly calls on the Mayor, the Police Authority and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to commit themselves unequivocally to maintaining the current 1-2-3 staffing model, as a minimum, for all safer neighbourhood teams in London.”

Notes for editors:

  1. The motion was agreed unanimously
  2. View the webcast at: http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/webcasts
  3. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.