Local Conservatives have released figures showing that only 21% of police officers’ time in Haringey and only 26% in Enfield is actually spent on the beat. This compares to ‘best in class’ performance of 46%. Conservatives say that such low levels of visible policing are one reason why the ‘thin blue line’ is so thin, why simply throwing money at the Police Service is not the answer to improving public confidence and in reducing crime, and why a radical overhaul of manning and other working practices is also required.

The shock numbers were presented to the MPA Planning Performance & Review Committee on the 9 October showing the amount of time spent in a ‘visible policing presence’ in each Borough for July 2003.  The performance figures show Haringey as 2nd lowest, and Enfield as 7th lowest, in the Met.

Commenting on the MPA report, Peter Forrest, Conservative GLA Member for Enfield-Haringey, said:

“People want to see more visible policing and more ‘bobbies on the beat’. Yet the figures show just how little time is spent by the police providing a visible police presence. Time wasted on bureaucracy, abstractions to central London and on bureaucratic paperwork are a prime reason why the ‘thin blue line’ is often so thin.

I support my Party’s plan for increased police numbers. But these low visibility numbers [and poor detection/clear-up rates] show why simply throwing money at policing is not the right answer. If we are to achieve a step-change in improving public confidence and in reducing crime, a radical overhaul of manning and other working practices is required”.

ENDS.