Top cop refuses to cull officers

26 June 2009

Supt Steve Wisbey

OUTGOING Borough Comm-ander Steve Wisbey has defied police chiefs by refusing to get rid of 21 officers.

Supt Wisbey, who leaves his post in about two weeks, was told by the Metropolitan Police Management Board that Havering had 21 too many officers for its budget, and he must get rid of them.

But he has put his foot down, only removing seven and arguing the 14 extra officers will eventually move on through "natural wastage". Havering currently has 384 officers.

Supt Wisbey said: "Seven officers will be leaving in the short-term, about the next eight weeks, but I have no intention of compulsory transferring the other 14.

"Scotland Yard expect us to get down to our target and you can normally get there through natural wastage - which is things like retirement or people moving on to different forces in different roles."

Supt Wisbey added that he was actively trying to secure funding from outside sources to fund extra officers.

It is unknown whether Havering's new Borough Commander, Mick Smith, will take a similarly defiant line or bend to Scotland Yard targets.

Supt Wisbey's comments come as Upminster MP Angela Watkinson this week warned that reducing the already stretched police force could have a damaging effect on the borough.

She now plans to write to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the Chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority, asking for the current numbers to be kept.

She said: "Responses from local residents to my recent survey showed that combating crime and anti-social behaviour, along with more visible policing on the streets, is one of the most common concerns. In order to provide this level of service, Havering Police needs enough officers.

"Despite being stretched, our neighbourhood teams have built up good relationships with residents in their patches.

"Now their job will be made more difficult as over the next 12 months our police officers must be reduced by 21."

The Metropolitan Police Resource Allocation Formula divides the total number of officers across the 32 London boroughs, and according to MP Watkinson: "Havering has to struggle every year to get its needs recognised.