Chief Superintendent Matthew Gardner claims numbers will rise from 60 to 158
Changes to policing will see the number of visible officers on Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) in Brent increased by almost 100, the borough’s top cop has claimed.
According to Chief Superintendent Matthew Gardner, borough commander for Brent Police, proposals to change policing across London will result in an increase of officers from 60 to 158 in the borough.
He made the claims following an event held last week where residents were able to find out more about the plans and how it will affect the borough.
Around 200 people attended the meeting at the Sattavis Pattidar Centre in Forty Avenue, Wembley, which took place a day after the Mayor of London announced the closure of the front counters at Harlesden and Willesden Green Police Station.
The three main issues aired were concerns about police officer numbers, the future of SNTs and the proposed front counter closures.
Chief Supt Gardner said: “We need to reduce our estate as it is underused and costs too much. The choice is that we either have police officers on the street or behind a desk.
“My officers and staff are focussed, committed and very effective.
“This will not make a difference to our performance and visible officers on SNTs will increase from 60 to 158.”
Chief Supt Gardner was on a panel with Stephen Greenhalgh, Deputy Mayor, Simon Byrne, Assistant Police Commissioner, and Cllr Muhammed Butt, Brent Council leader, which addressed the proposed changes to policing.
The panel explained the changes the Met will make to its local policing including an increase of 1,200 officers working on boroughs, enhancement of SNTs and plans to move 2,600 officers back onto the streets from other roles.
The changes aim to allow officers to be more accessible, flexible and will use all available crime fighting tactics to investigate crime and catch more local criminals.
The Mayor of London’s office has launched a public consultation into the proposed front counters closures.
The consultation ends on March 5.
A series of public events are also being held around London where residents can air their views.
For more information visit www.london.gov.uk/policing.
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