Brent people called for more police “boots on the ground” as a way to improve their relationship with the community.
And a Metropolitan Police engagement event at Brent Civic Centre on Tuesday (August 29) heard that trust in the force was a "mixed bag".
Almost 200 people representing different ages and backgrounds attended the meeting to discuss how the ‘New Met for London’ plan will affect policing and community safety in the borough.
An overwhelming majority called for more “boots on the ground”, stating that neighbourhood patrols are not covering enough areas.
They said while police are sometimes seen passing in vehicles, it is not the same as officer actively walking around and engaging with the community.
Acting commander of policing in Brent Supt William Lexton-Jones said he agreed and that many people had relayed this to him one-to-one.
The Brent & Kilburn Times has reported on at least nine violent incidents in the past year.
Asked whether there were areas in the borough where patrolling could be improved, he said: “I certainly have an appetite to look at that and how we might do that better and invest in there – of course we have to balance that across the various other wards who say the same thing.
“Sometimes you have to be quite focused on what the data is telling us.”
He said Kilburn High Road was “illustrative of cross-border challenges” due to the different police teams covering Brent, Westminster and Camden.
Others raised the need to build trust and confidence with the Met, with the force engaging with community leaders and a push to educate how police operate.
One person said that there should be “transparency" with information and claimed the community is “not aware of all issues” happening unless it’s reported on social media or local media.
Others said officers and they need to be “approachable and human”.
The meeting was led by Harold Lisk, of the Always Furthering and Nurturing Development (AFND) organisation, which specialises in helping the families and young people in Brent.
He said it was promising that the Met is willing to engage with local community groups.
He said trust in police was "a mixed bag", adding: "I think historically it hasn’t been good.
“There’s a lot of cultural diversity in Brent community, there’s a big population of African, Caribbean and black residents and historically there hasn’t been a great relationship with police for people growing up in the 1960s, 70s and 80s.
“But I’m positive in some of the things I’m seeing in the Met, the things they’re doing has brought people like ourselves and others in the room.”
He added: “We’re starting to build bridges and break down some boundaries. Maybe a few years ago this might not have been something I’d be inclined to do. We need to come together to make the best positive change.”
Supt Lexton-Jones promised this is “just the beginning” and said he is making sure they hear from the community more to know how the public feels and how policing can improve.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here