Local Policing Model in Haringey (verbal)
To receive an update from the Borough Commander.
Minutes:
The Borough Commander provided a brief overview of planned changes to the local policing model following a review of resources and set against the need for the MPS to achieve 20% budget savings and improve performance. It was anticipated that the model would go live from June as part of the first tranche rollout.
Confirmation was provided that there would be a reduction in police staff employed within the borough under the new model, although the number of Police Officers would remain unchanged. Haringey would receive an additional 9 Police vehicles to the fleet. Performance monitoring arrangements within the borough would also be changing to incorporate 7 targets set by the Mayor, with discussions ongoing to establish target levels for Haringey.
The present situation regarding the portfolio and operating hours of Police stations and counters in the borough was ongoing and in a state of flux. The current provisional position was for a 24/7 front counter at Tottenham Police Station, with standard 40 hrs/week front counter service to be provided at Fishmongers Arms and Hornsey Police Station. A new building would be required for the Tottenham station. The Board expressed serious concern over the likelihood of only one 24hr police station being provided within the borough and the ambitious timescales associated with implementing the changes with the new model. Assurances were sought that a comprehensive action plan would be put in place to cover implementation and that consultation would also be undertaken on the changes with borough residents. It was further advised that the 40hrs/week presence constituted the minimum permitted, and that flexibility was available with regards to how the hours of operation were allocated through the week. It was agreed that the Executive would need to look at the flexibilities around the model and any assistance that the Partnership could provide in relation to implementation.
Confirmation was provided that Muswell Hill Police Station had been earmarked for closure, with the possibility of co-locating in the library currently being looked into. Cllr Newton advised that a proposal had been put forward to the Mayor’s Office that any future developer of the site be required to provide a SNT frontdesk or pay a financial levy.