§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the statement by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on his strategy for the coming year.
§ Mr. HurdI am placing copies of the commissioner's strategy statement for 1987 in the Library today. I am also sending a copy to all right hon. and hon. Members whose constituencies fall wholly or partly within the Metropolitan police district. I hope to meet London Members soon to discuss the statement.
I have discussed the commissioner's statement with him. The force goal for 1987 is to improve the quality of service to the public by:
- (a) the reduction of criminal opportunity through crime prevention, public contact, involvement and co-operation;
- (b) (i) the enhanced detection of specific criminal offences (for example, robbery, burglary, drug misuse, racial attacks, sexual offences against women and vandalism) in accordance with locally or centrally identified priorities;
- (ii) a concerted attack on organised crime and the elimination of profits therefrom;
- (c) the enhanced support, care and concern for victims of crime including the victims of domestic violence;
- (d) improved effectiveness both in the preservation of public tranquility through closer community-police relations and in the policing of public disorder through better tactical control, communications, equipment and training.
I welcome the new emphasis on the care and support of victims of domestic violence, and the enhanced detection of sexual offences against women.