Travellers Issues Officers

Apart from one officer who is the full time MPS Gypsy Traveller Liaison Officer (GTLO) and MPS lead on GT issues, there is only one full time GTLO in the MPS on Croydon Borough. All the other boroughs with the exception of Hammersmith and Fulham who have yet to appoint, have part time GTLO's who have other responsibilities.

There is no current requirement on boroughs to have a full time GTLO, an excerpt from our current policy document is reproduced below:

"It is acknowledged that due to the small populations of Gypsies and Travellers on some boroughs and/or the low incidence of unauthorised encampment, some BOCU's may feel that they have little need for a full time GTLO. Borough Commanders should assess their level of need and decide whether or not the post should be a full or part time responsibility. Given however that the role is one that is intended to involve a regular and highly visible presence on Gypsy and Traveller sites and unauthorised encampments it is recommended that if the post is not a full time post then it should form a significant majority of the duties of the officer selected.

Some BOCU's or groups of BOCU's may feel that a single full time GTLO serving the needs of a number of BOCU's is an appropriate response to their needs although this is a matter for local negotiation.

As the post is intended as a high-visibility community reassurance/community intelligence-gathering role it may be best suited to officers of the rank of Sergeant or Constable. BOCU Commanders may wish to reassess the rank and responsibilities of the current GTLO accordingly. Similarly the placement of the role within the BOCU structure may also require reassessment. It is envisaged that in the future specialised training will be provided by DCC4(4) and community partners for post holders."