|
Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA), Mayor Boris Johnson, today set out his priorities for the Metropolitan Police in his first report to the MPA as chair. The Mayor also paid tribute to the work of the police and outlined a new MPA-led inquiry to explore race and faith issues within the Metropolitan Police Service.
Boris Johnson said,
"I am proud to be chairing my first meeting of the Metropolitan Police Authority today. Crime and safety is the biggest issue for Londoners and my most immediate priority as Mayor of London. It is vital that the Mayor takes responsibility for making our capital a safer place, so today is an important element of our work on policing and crime. 'The amazing commitment and dedication that the police display everyday is something I am immensely proud of. We have huge challenges ahead, and the police are going to need our steadfast help and support. ‘Knife crime is the most immediate policing priority and we need to build on the successes of Operation Blunt 2, we need to do more to make public transport safer, we must protect the capital from the threat of terrorism and we must ensure the Olympic Games are secure.
It is also vital that we develop a comprehensive youth strategy that addresses the causes of youth crime and I can confirm we will make a detailed announcement in November. ‘Clearly the issues of race and discrimination in the Metropolitan police must be examined. That is why I have asked Cindy Butts to look at some key questions, such as the progression of BME candidates through the ranks of the service, the relation between staff associations and management, and the extent to which there is visible and effective leadership around race and faith issues." www.london.gov.uk |
