Croydon could receive 100 extra police officers in 2002, as one of the winning London boroughs revealed this week in a proposed shake-up in the Metropolitan Police.
The Greater London Assembly has drafted proposals for a reallocation of police resources to the boroughs.
Under the proposals, Croydon could see an increase of between 96 and 156 new officers from April 2002, but the changes are subject to consultation and recruitment.
Croydon is believed to have been penalised under the old calculations because community partnerships, youth work and effective policing helped to reduce crime.
Croydon borough commander, Chief Superintendent Paul Minton, said the new formula is particularly based on needs: “Factors like social deprivation and unemployment which have an impact on crime will now be taken into account.
“The new formula suggests that Croydon is one of the boroughs with a larger shortfall of officers based on need and demand. If this formula were to be accepted then Croydon would get additional officers to a larger number than other boroughs. But it is premature to start talking about numbers!”
Officers on the beat was an area Chief Supt Minton would boost with additional staff.
He said: “The reassurance that visible uniformed officers provide is particularly important but there are a number of areas where we are currently over stretched. It would certainly make a difference to the service we could provide.”
To make sure no boroughs lose officers, an extra 200-1700 officers will be needed, so the Met Police's recruitment campaign is vital.
Andrew Pelling, GLA member for Croydon and Sutton, who lobbied for more police in Croydon said: “I'm delighted but these increases are dependent upon the Met Police meeting its recruitment targets over the course of this year and the next, so I shall also fight to ensure that promises made by the Mayor on the overall level of police numbers in London are not hollow.”
George Cowling is a youth worker in New Addington where an increase in graffiti, burned out cars and gangs this summer has been blamed on a lack of police presence.
He said: “It would be great to have more officers down here, getting to know the youngsters and residents and let residents know them. I believe that's when policing is at its best.”
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