Safer Neighbourhoods Teams under discussion

A review of Safer Neighbourhoods Teams (SNTs) in the Metropolitan police

area has recommended a reduction in the number of dedicated constables

and community support officers working full time in local wards. The

proposals are due to be debated at the Metropolitan Police Authority

tomorrow.

Launched in 2006, Safer Neighbourhoods provides a network of local teams

across London to address crime at a neighbourhood level. The teams

usually consist of one sergeant, two constables and three police

community support officers (PCSOs), and work to tackle areas of concern

in a specific neighbourhood tied to a parliamentary ward. The

teams have been successful over the last five years in bringing down

levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

The new proposals mean that Safer Neighbourhood officers from local teams could be

deployed to support other wards

in the borough. A minimum of one PC and one PCSO from each dedicated

team will remain permanently in each ward, but other members of the team

may be used more flexibly in the future and work outside of the

dedicated area.

Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson, head of Territorial Policing says,

"I'm delighted to announce the MPS remains committed to neighbourhood

policing. We intend for our Safer Neighbourhoods teams, which have

become familiar sights in local communities, to continue to do the

things they have always done by supporting local communities and helping

address their crime or safety concerns. And we propose to keep each

team with at least two PCs and three PCSOs."

Some members of the London Assembly have already expressed concerns about the proposals, saying it is unclear for how long team members may be transferred outside their local SNT, leaving the ward with only two dedicated staff. The MPA Strategic and Operational Policing committee will discuss the proposals on 16 June, and we'll keep you updated.

The Met is also currently consulting on London's policing plans - have your say online here. Don't forget, you can also check out local crime data online at http://maps.met.police.uk.

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