At today’s London Assembly Plenary, Darren Johnson asked the Metropolitan Police Commissioner about whether the Met are looking at crime rates and the resources given to each department to see where savings can be made.
Sir Paul Stephenson confirmed that the Metropolitan Police have decided to reallocate resources from the murder team into rape investigation. This is on the basis of the recent jump in reported rapes, in contrast with the decrease in the murder rate. In a previous meeting the Commissioner stated that the Sapphire command, which investigates serious sexual offences, will be increased by 117 officers.
Welcoming the Commissioner’s answer, Darren said:
"This is exactly the kind of switch of resources and priorities the police should be making. With less money for policing we must make sure that the officers and resources go where they are most needed. The recent increase in reported rape of around 37% in London is extremely worrying and warrants extra attention. At the same time, we should be pleased that with fewer murders we need fewer police to investigate them.
"In times of budget growth there was a danger of departments with the loudest voice getting the most resources, and a real lack of critical review. We need a root and branch review of all the evidence as well as a public conversation with Londoners about their priorities for modern policing".