Assembly Calls for Action on London’s Police Front Counters
The London Assembly has unanimously supported a motion urging the Mayor to uphold his promise of maintaining a 24-hour police station front counter in every borough. Despite previous commitments made over several years, concerns have emerged regarding the operational status of these essential services.
Repeated Commitments from the Mayor
Over the past few years, the Mayor has consistently assured the public of his dedication to a 24/7 police station front counter in each London borough. His commitments have been articulated as follows:
- In 2017, he launched the Public Access Strategy, which outlined his pledge to ensure one 24-hour front counter in every borough.
- In 2019, he reiterated this promise, stating, “we will retain one 24-hour front counter in each borough.”
- In 2021, he further emphasised: “I am happy to continue to commit to our Public Access Strategy pledge to there being a 24/7 front counter in every borough in London.”
- In 2022, he reaffirmed this commitment, maintaining that every borough would have a 24/7 front counter.
- In his 2024 manifesto, he pledged to keep a police station operational in every borough.
- During a Mayor’s Question Time in September 2024, he stated: “It is the policy to make sure every borough has one 24-hour police station front counter.”
Concerns Over Fulfilment of Promises
Despite the Mayor’s assurances, the Assembly has expressed disappointment that he has not delivered on these commitments, citing instances of closures and reduced operational hours for police station front counters following his election. Members of the Assembly are calling for immediate action to rectify these issues.
Assembly’s Call to Action
The motion brought forth by Assembly members Emma Best and Thomas Turrell outlines specific actions the Mayor is urged to pursue:
- Publish the long-overdue Estates Strategy, which should include information on any police stations being considered for sale.
- Reconsider his decision to close five police front counters.
- Reverse the removal of the 24/7 front counter service in each borough.
- Collaborate with the Metropolitan Police to examine the impact of front counter closures on crime reporting, with a focus on the effects on vulnerable populations, particularly concerning violence against women and girls.
Unanimous Support from the Assembly
Following a robust debate, the motion to reaffirm the commitment to 24/7 front counters was unanimously passed with ten votes in favour and none against, demonstrating a collective urgency from Assembly members to address this pressing issue.
Background
The issue of public access to police services has become increasingly critical in recent years, particularly as communities seek reassurance and support from law enforcement. The Mayor’s initiatives around police station front counters reflect broader discussions regarding police presence and community safety across London.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.london.gov.uk/motions/save-our-police-counters
