Policing answers, July 2016
Westminster CCTV
Question No: 2016/2116
Andrew Dismore
What assessment of the impact have you made and what representations are you making to Westminster City Council, over their decision to switch off all their CCTV systems, including for the West End and central London?
The report can be found via the online agenda for Cabinet, item 6 (http://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=3943).
Written response from the Mayor
I am concerned over this issue and have discussed this at my regular meetings with the Commissioner.
I understand that the Westminster City Council decision was to end their contract with G4S who currently undertake the monitoring of the CCTV in the borough. The report helpfully references some capital funding which remains available to support innovative solutions.
The MPS were in touch with the City Council prior to the decision being taken and have offered to assist with relocation of where the feed from the CCTV is viewed and to work with Westminster on solutions which might allow for continued coverage on a basis which, whilst recognising WCC cost pressures, did not significantly add to those of the MPS. I am pleased that those discussions are continuing.
Police expenditure on a ‘guru’
Question No: 2016/2117
Andrew Dismore
At a time of pressure on the Metropolitan Police budget, was it a wise investment under the previous mayor to spend £40,000 on a ‘guru’ to promote their austerity to their own officers?
Written response from the Mayor
The MPS is having to change its culture and the way in which it works. I understand that the engagement was part of a programme of communication and change intended to influence the thinking of all of the leaders in this organisation of some 40,000 people.
My role is to provide strategic oversight of the budget and whilst I require the MPS to use their funds efficiently and effectively, and will continue to reinforce this message; decisions about events of this sort are primarily a matter for the Commissioner.
Merging borough policing
Question No: 2016/2118
Andrew Dismore
Do you plan to go ahead with your predecessor’s scheme to merge Police Borough Command Units?
Written response from the Mayor
I want to restore real neighbourhood policing for London.
Any substantial changes will be outlined as part of my Police and Crime Plan and will go through extensive consultation.
Detective shortage
Question No: 2016/2119
Andrew Dismore
What progress is being made in addressing the shortage of trained detectives?
Written response from the Mayor
Significant activity is underway to increase the number of trained detectives. This includes: external recruitment campaigns; detective recruitment open days; specialist crime trainee detective scheme; and mentoring schemes across territorial policing and specialist departments to identify and support detectives of the future.
The latest recruitment process selected 101 new trainee detectives. Furthermore an additional 225 officers have registered for the National investigator exam (NIE).
Water cannon
Question No: 2016/2120
Andrew Dismore
Will you now dispose of the useless water cannon?
Written response from the Mayor
I made a manifesto commitment to do this and I intend to deliver it.
Officers qualified for promotion 1
Question No: 2016/2121
Andrew Dismore
How many Met. constables have passed the necessary examinations and are qualified for promotion to sergeant?
Written response from the Mayor
2,007 Police Constables / Detective Constables currently hold valid Objective Structured Performance Related Examination (OSPRE) passes for sergeant.
Officers qualified for promotion 2
Question No: 2016/2122
Andrew Dismore
How many Met. sergeants have passed the necessary examinations and are qualified for promotion to inspector ?
Written response from the Mayor
793 substantive Police Sergeants / Detective Sergeants currently hold valid OSPRE passes.
Officer Vacancies 1
Question No: 2016/2123
Andrew Dismore
How many sergeant vacancies are you anticipating in the Met over the current year?
Written response from the Mayor
The MPS are anticipating approximately 450 sergeant vacancies over the coming year.
Officer Vacancies 2
Question No: 2016/2124
Andrew Dismore
How many inspector vacancies are you anticipating in the Met over the current year?
Written response from the Mayor
The MPS are anticipating approximately 200 inspector vacancies over the coming year.
Special constables
Question No: 2016/2125
Andrew Dismore
What plans do you have to increase the number of specials in the Met and how do you propose to achieve this?
Written response from the Mayor
The MPS completed a review of the MSC earlier in the year and I will be sure to reflect on its findings as I develop my Police and Crime Plan.
Police horses
Question No: 2016/2126
Andrew Dismore
How many police horses are there in the Met; how many officers are there qualified to be mounted officers; and what is the cost of keeping a police horse, per year?
Written response from the Mayor
The Mounted Branch operates at 110 horses across London. The MPS has a total of 142 riding police officers and a budget of £5,558 per horse per annum. This budget excludes stables which are part of the estates budget.
River police
Question No: 2016/2127
Andrew Dismore
How many police launches are there in the Met., and what is the annual cost of keeping a launch operational?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Senior officer residential accommodation
Question No: 2016/2128
Andrew Dismore
Does the Met still provide, pay for, or subsidise the cost of accommodation for senior officers; if so which officers benefit from this perk; and what does it cost per year?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Capital City Functions
Question No: 2016/2129
Andrew Dismore
What is the current estimate of the cost to the Met of the international and capital city functions it performs; how is this calculated; and how much is reimbursed by central government?
Written response from the Mayor
The National and International Capital City (NICC) functions cover a number of unique and additional demands. These include the policing of national-scale protests, which are often focused on the capital as the seat of Government; protection for our national and international interests such as the financial centre, major tourist attractions, foreign embassies and critical national infrastructure; and managing the impact of London as a draw for criminals from the UK and overseas.
Throughout 2015, the Home Office conducted a review of the NICC functions concluding with an independent panel to review the bid of MOPAC/MPS. The independent panel concurred with MOPAC/MPS proposals which were costed at £281m. However, the Government only allocated £174m, 62% of the panel’s assessment of need.
