HC Deb 22 June 1967 vol 748 cc1919-20
1. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the working of the Unit Beat Policing experiment currently in operation in Bromley and elsewhere.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Roy Jenkins)

Unit beat policing is now in operation in two sub-divisions of the Metropolitan police and in parts of eleven provincial police forces. It is too early yet to reach firm conclusions about its effect on crime, but early reports are encouraging and indicate that in all these areas the system has so far resulted in improved police cover and better relations with local residents, without requiring any increase in manpower.

Mr. Hunt

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that statement will be warmly echoed by people living in Bromley, who find that this system is excellent and that it is doing much to reassure the public and to deter the would-be criminal? Can he say what plans there are to extend this excellent system still further?

Mr. Jenkins

Yes, indeed. I am very glad to hear what the hon. Gentleman says about the experience so far in Bromley. The Commissioner intends to introduce the system to two more subdivisions of the Metropolitan Police in the near future and to 11 outer divisions of the Metropolitan police in due course.

Sir J. Eden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that where, as in the case of Bournemouth's excellent force, this system has been introduced it has contributed to a very remarkable degree to an increase not only in efficiency but in the morale of the individual policeman?

Mr. Jenkins

I believe this very firmly. That is why I am taking all steps to encourage its introduction to suitable areas as rapidly as possible, not only in London but in other parts of the country.

Mr. Goodhart

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that the increase in morale that he accepts comes from this experiment may well lead to an increase in recruitment to the police forces?

Mr. Jenkins

It improves the position both ways. It makes better use of the police manpower we have and gives us a better chance of getting more manpower.

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