David Palmer outlined that there are 331 officers, of which, 60 officers are in neighbourhood policing teams. All other officers are deployed in response to need. In addition there are 20 PCSO’s allocated to Merton. The 60 officers are allocated across all 3 sectors and work on a 5 week shift pattern to ensure teams operate well. This approach is felt to be more practical.

The percentage of crime in each of the three sectors was outlined as follows: Mitcham (41%); Morden (28%) and Wimbledon (31%). The number of Police officers deployed is Mitcham (24); Morden (17) and Wimbledon (18).

Police officers currently not allocated to a home beat role have also been placed in Mitcham, and Pollards Hill. Mitcham coverage has been supplemented with 4 additional PCSO’s to ensure a constant presence to reassure residents.

David Palmer explained that the Police are looking to develop a different approach, subject to consultation, operating in 2 sectors instead of 3. This would ensure officers were proportionately balanced. Senior Managers remain in support of deploying officers to where there is greater need. The process to move towards this model is not clear as yet. It would require the agreement of MOPAC and conversations are underway with stakeholders on this.

David Palmer highlighted that difficulties arise because a high number of new officers are coming through that need 10 weeks basic training and then paired up with an experienced officer. They are then posted to neighbourhood policing teams and on 2 years probation. Those that pass probation are then posted to a response team. The particular difficulties with moving officers and the impact on the team in that location, is that there are low numbers of experienced officers to utilise in each sector.

A Member asked about the constituencies that the two sector model would split. A Member asked about the format of the consultation. David Palmer confirmed that there would be split wards in Morden and that there is no clear consultation format as yet which has been agreed. There is agreement in principle from senior police officers and a report to take this forward is being formulated at present.

A Member noted the importance of maintaining a regular police officer contact in certain wards to reassure residents. David Palmer explained that this wasn’t always possible due to budget cuts and the radical change programme that is underway which is changing the way the police operate all the time. The ability to post resources according to need has also diminished.

A Member expressed concerns that the data provided was too simplistic and that these figures did not represent the seriousness of crime committed. The Member asked for data and information on the nature of the review that has taken place and how the data has been interpreted to form a judgement as to how officers are allocated.

A Member asked about arrangements for tackling drug dealing. David Palmer confirmed that there is no specific drug team on street patrol. At a low level, neighbourhood officers would tackle this and at the higher risk levels a task force or the crime squad would deal with this.

A Member asked how many officers are required to go to court if they are at the scene of a crime. David Palmer stated that an officer is only sent to court when required by the CPS as a witness. Officers are only sent for the day they are giving evidence, not for whole case.

A Member noted the increase in violence in the data and, in particular, domestic violence. David Palmer explained that this is following the inspectorates review on the recording and classification of crime by the MET and concerns that were raised about accuracy, which have been responded to and reflected in the data.

RESOLVED: The Commission requested a written report to the next meeting to cover the review that has taken place, outcome of consultation with MOPAC and outlining responses to the questions provided to the Borough Commander previously.