§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, after the revision of the Metropolitan police organisation, described in the police press release of 20 November 1984, it is the intention that each of the borough-based consultative groups will have, as their main police links, several chief superintendents of equal authority and status representing each of the divisions within the borough, instead of the single district commander as at present; and how it is envisaged they will tackle problems of police/community relationships that cross division boundaries.
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§ Mr. Giles ShawThe precise arrangements for consultation with the community following the reorganisation of the force have not yet been decided. Discussions will be held with borough and district councils, community/police consultative groups and representatives of the local community to ensure that the arrangements established in each area are well adapted to its needs and have the support of the local community.
§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, after the revision of the Metropolitan police organisation, it is the intention to appoint community liaison officers within the police for each division, instead of one for the whole borough as at present; and whether he considers that the officer with the rank of superintendent, responsible for deputy assistant commissioner services within each area, will have adequate time to devote to community relations, as well as to his other responsibilities including administration, press and publicity.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI am informed by the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that it is his intention to appoint a community liaison officer for each division. Instead of one for each district. No final decision will be made about the rank or range of duties to be performed by the officer responsible for "DAC services" at area headquarters until local discussions have taken place with those involved.
§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the structure of the branch of the Metropolitan police with functions similar to that of A7 after the revision of the Metropolitan police organisation, described in the police press release on 20 November 1984; what its terms of reference will be; what authority it will have within the divisions on community and race relations issues; and whether it will be the place of reference within the Metropolitan police to which consultative groups and London-wide organisations with an interest in these matters can make representations about the overall policy of the force.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that he has no detailed plans at present to change the structure and role of A7 branch. Existing functions of the branch will remain an integral part of his organisation; any changes which become necessary as a consequence of force reorganisation will be implemented only after full discussion with interested parties.