• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

What sort of increase have we seen?

• Question by: Richard Barnes
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

• Question by: Darren Johnson
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

One of the most interesting initiatives over the past couple of years has been the introduction of a number of cycle patrols by police officers. What role do you think they have to play in the Step Change programme and what sort of increase have you seen so far?

• Question by: Richard Barnes
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

• Question by: Elizabeth Howlett
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

As link member for Bromley, I just wonder, Lord Harris, whether in fact you have the right information. The Chief Superintendent has managed to change the duty roster and he also has a charging unit for the sergeant that runs it so that when an officer comes in with an offender he is handed over to the charging unit. The officer is then able to go out on to the streets again, which increases visibility. I wonder whether you have the right information because certainly they have the highest visibility of officers in the Met. I would like to ask...

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

Recognising and welcoming the arrival of those extra resources, nonetheless what steps will you use to make sure that they are not offset by continuing increases in the number of abstractions? For example, the number of abstractions in Bromley from 2001/02 to 2002/03 increased by 82%.

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003

I am grateful for the recognition of good practice. I hope that there is also a recognition that there is a legitimate public interest, given that the public are ultimately my and your paymasters, in reflecting their aspirations and priorities for a much greater level of visible reassurance policing, particularly in outer London.

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 10 December 2003