Policing
What changes have been made to police services
in London?
The Greater London Authority Act 1999 established the new independent
Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA)
to oversee policing in London. This brings the arrangements for policing
in London more closely into line with those elsewhere in England and Wales.
The boundaries of the Metropolitan Police District
have been changed to bring them into line with the 32 London boroughs.
Those parts of the Metropolitan Police District which are beyond the
GLA boundary now form part of the Surrey, Hertfordshire and Essex police
areas as appropriate. The City of London will continue to have a separate
police force.
What does the MPA do?
- it is responsible for maintaining an efficient and effective
police force
- it is responsible for securing best value in
the delivery of policing services
- publishes an annual policing plan (drafted by
the Commissioner) after consulting local communities about policing
priorities
- sets policing targets, and monitor performance
regularly against those targets
- has a role in the appointment, discipline and
removal of senior officers
- it is responsible for the police budget.
How is the MPA structured?
The MPA Board is made up of 23 members: twelve members from the Assembly
(including the Deputy Mayor), four magistrates and seven independents.
One of the independents is a direct appointment by the Home Secretary.
The Chair of the MPA is chosen by the members themselves - all of the
23 members are eligible for this position. The Mayor may appoint twelve
members of the London Assembly to the MPA Board.
What does the Mayor do?
- appoints twelve members of the Assembly to the
MPA
- sets the budget of the MPA (subject to the Home
Secretary's reserve power to set a minimum budget for the MPA)
- gives comments to the Home Secretary on the appointment of the
Commissioner.
What does the London Assembly do?
- provides twelve members of the MPA
- approves the Mayor's budget for the police
- is able to summon members of the MPA to answer
questions at their meetings and committee meetings.
Who will appoint the Metropolitan Police
Commissioner?
The appointment of the Commissioner will continue to be a Royal appointment
made following a recommendation by the Home Secretary. The Home Secretary
must have regard to any recommendations by the MPA and any representations
from the Mayor before making his own recommendation.
Membership
of the MPA
Further information and contacts
MPA website www.mpa.gov.uk
You can contact the MPA at:
10 Dean Farrar Street
London SW1H ONY
Telephone: 020 7202 0202
Minicom: 020 7202 0173
Fax: 020 7202 0200
Email enquiries@mpa.gov.uk
For information about the Metropolitan Police
Service see 'Metfacts' on the MPS website: www.met.police.uk
Another useful document is the Metropolitan
Police Service Annual Policing Plan for 2000/2001 (which incorporates
the Best Value Performance Plan). The Policing Plan for 2001/02 is due
to appear on 31 March 2001.
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