Dear Editor,
I read with some concern that there are proposals to use a private security firm to tackle crime in Wapping.
In London, we police by consent. Police officers should be answerable to the public and to the politicians the public elect. The idea of having a private company carrying out these activities on our streets is troubling because it dilutes those vital checks and balances.
However, I do understand the anger and frustration of local residents. With government cuts to the Met’s budget having reached £850 million, we’re seeing the impact on police officer numbers, as Mayor John Biggs points out.
We can’t shy away from the fact that the best and safest way to tackle crime on our streets is to adequately fund the Met to undertake their duties to full capacity. As your Assembly Member, I will be urging the Government to think long and hard about the damage caused by their cuts, and to quickly change course away from austerity.
Yours,
Unmesh Desai AM,
London Assembly Member for City and East