Policing
The Greater London Authority Act 1999
established the independent
Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA)
to oversee policing in London. This brings the arrangements for policing
in London more closely into line with those elsewhere in England and Wales.
The boundaries of the Metropolitan Police
District were changed to bring them into line with the 32 London
boroughs. Those parts of the Metropolitan Police District which are
beyond the GLA boundary now form part of the Surrey, Hertfordshire
and Essex police areas as appropriate. The City of London continues
to have a separate police force.
What does the MPA do?
- it is responsible for maintaining an efficient and effective
police force
- it is responsible for securing best value in
the delivery of policing services
- publishes an annual policing plan (drafted by
the Commissioner) after consulting local communities about policing
priorities
- sets policing targets, and monitor performance
regularly against those targets
- has a role in the appointment, discipline and
removal of senior officers
- it is responsible for the police budget.
How is the MPA structured?
The MPA Board is made up of 23 members: twelve members from the Assembly
(including the Deputy Mayor),and eleven independent members, at
least one of whom must be a magistrate. One of the independents
is a direct appointment by the Home Secretary. The Chair of the
MPA is chosen by the members themselves - all of the 23 members
are eligible for this position.
Members are appointed for a period of four years.
What does the Mayor do?
- appoints twelve members of the Assembly to the
MPA
- sets the budget of the MPA (subject to the Home
Secretary's reserve power to set a minimum budget for the MPA)
- gives comments to the Home Secretary on the appointment of the
Commissioner.
What does the London Assembly do?
- provides twelve members of the MPA
- approves the Mayor's budget for the police
- is able to summon members of the MPA to answer
questions at their meetings and committee meetings.
Who appoints the Metropolitan Police
Commissioner?
The appointment of the Commissioner will continue to be a Royal appointment
made following a recommendation by the Home Secretary. The Home Secretary
must have regard to any recommendations by the MPA and any representations
from the Mayor before making his own recommendation.
Membership
of the MPA
Further information and contacts
MPA website www.mpa.gov.uk
You can contact the MPA at:
10 Dean Farrar Street
London SW1H ONY
Telephone: 020 7202 0202
Minicom: 020 7202 0173
Fax: 020 7202 0200
Email enquiries@mpa.gov.uk
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