Andrew Dismore

future role of SNBs and ward panels

Question No: 2016/4876

Andrew Dismore

How do you see the future role of SNBs and ward panels?

Written response from the Mayor

In my draft Police and Crime Plan, I recognise and value the contribution of community members to local policing and to helping to ensure that Londoners can have confidence that the MPS is responding to community needs.  I make clear that MOPAC will continue to support Safer Neighbourhood Boards.

Ward Panels will remain an important part of local policing.  The increase in dedicated ward officers (DWOs) and the commitment to PCSOs means an effective ward panel will continue to be a valuable asset that enables the police to listen and respond to community concerns.

In line with my commitment to real neighbourhood policing I expect to see Neighbourhood Police Teams continue their efforts to make all ward panels as representative as possible by getting to know their communities and using social media to engage those not represented at ward panels; the introduction of the MPS ‘Digital Neighbourhoods’ website in spring 2017 will assist these efforts.

Gallantry awards [1]

Question No: 2017/0234

Andrew Dismore

Over the last 5 years, how many London firefighters have a) been recommended for and b) awarded national gallantry awards or honours in recognition of particular acts of bravery?

Written response from the Mayor

Over the last five years, 11 London firefighters have been recommended for national gallantry awards or honours in recognition of particular acts of bravery and three have been awarded them.

These awards arrange from CPR lifesaving actions, to firefighter of the year.

Internally approximately 400 LFB staff have been awarded commendations for a range of operationally related activities.

Gallantry awards [2]

Question No: 2017/0235

Andrew Dismore

Over the last 5 years, how many London police officers have a) been recommended for and b) awarded national gallantry awards or honours in recognition of particular acts of bravery?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

College of Policing proposals

Question No: 2017/0236

Andrew Dismore

What is your opinion of the College of Policing proposals that all new police officers in England and Wales will have to be educated to degree level from next year?

Written response from the Mayor

It is the role of the College of Policing (CoP) to set the professional standards for police officers in England and Wales.

The nature of policing has changed significantly over the years and forces must continue to modernise. Policing is currently highly unusual in that there is no standard level of education and nor are there any externally recognised qualifications for the skills that officers develop.

Police officers perform a vital and challenging role and it is right that they are properly trained and have the opportunity to have that training formally recognised through accreditation.

‘One Met’ model

Question No: 2017/0237

Andrew Dismore

Where boroughs have merged commands, will each borough be able to set its own priorities, which may be different from those of other boroughs in the merged command?

Written response from the Mayor

Yes. The priorities will be set at the borough level, not by merged command level. This is key to my priority of restoring real neighbourhood policing.

It also responds to requests from boroughs and other partners to deliver performance measures that bring together local solutions to local problems whilst ensuring focus on high harm issues that affect all of London at a pan-London level.