• PAB Chairman Tijs Broeke highlights business support for City of London Police

• Celebrates City Police’s vital national role in protecting the Square Mile on behalf of the whole UK

• City of London Police Commissioner and Bank of England Governor also speak at annual event to celebrate City Police

An independent City of London Police has a ‘vital national role’ in keeping people safe and supporting economic growth right across the country, the Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board has said. 

Speaking before an invited audience of serving police officers, criminal justice representatives and Police Authority Board Members, Tijs Broeke welcomed police reform that makes policing more effective, efficient and better equipped to respond to the changing nature of crime.

He said reforms should be based on outcomes rather than structures, pointing to the City of London Police’s strong record on reducing crime.

Guests at the Police Authority Board annual dinner, held in the City, also heard from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and City of London Police Commissioner Pete O'Doherty.

City of London Police Authority Board Chair Tijs Broeke said:

“Tonight is an opportunity to recognise the contribution you all make to keeping our communities, our economy, and our country safe. It is also an opportunity to look ahead.

“Crime is changing. Technology is changing. Public expectations are changing.

"Policing must change too.

“The City of London Corporation supports reform that makes policing more effective, more efficient, and better equipped for the future. But reform cannot simply be about structures.

“Effective reform should look closely at what already delivers results.

“Businesses tell us clearly what they value about the City Police: its specialist expertise, its close relationship with industry, and its deep understanding of, and dedication to, the Square Mile’s distinct policing needs.

“Safe streets matter enormously to the businesses that drive our economy, as security is the foundation on which prosperity is built.

“The City contributes around 110 billion pounds to the UK economy and supports 2.5 million jobs across the UK, two thirds of them outside London.

“When we protect the Square Mile, we help protect jobs and investment across the country- supporting the Government’s goal of delivering growth in every postcode.

“It also supports a wider principle set out by the Prime Minister.

“Decisions should be made at the level where leaders have the knowledge, relationships, and accountability to respond effectively to local needs.

“The best way to improve the service provided to the public is through the evolution of the City Police, harnessing the force’s capabilities alongside those of the City of London Corporation.

“That evolution must protect the independence and distinct role of the City Police.

“We do not oppose change. But merging the force would not make our residents, workers, businesses and visitors safer.

“Nationally, the City Police should be a key delivery partner for the new National Police Service, using its expertise to help the fight against fraud, safeguard the successful delivery of Report Fraud, and support its wider mission.

“Locally, it could become more closely integrated with the Metropolitan Police and the National Police Service, strengthening cooperation whilst retaining its dedicated focus and the specialist capabilities that make it so effective.

“We already have excellent relationships with our partners in the Met, the National Crime Agency and the Serious Fraud Office. We want to work together more closely in future, to better protect member of the public and businesses.”

Notes to editors

Imagery of the City of London Police officers engaging in community safety activity near the Bank of England is available.

ABOUT THE CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk