EALING COMMUNITY AND POLICE CONSULTATIVE GROUP

REPORT OF A MEETING, JANUARY 22, 2004

This meeting was scheduled as the AGM. and had an attendance of around 55. There had been only one nomination for Chair, no ballot papers had been sent out and the legality of the procedures was questioned from the floor. The matter was deferred until after the police report.

REPORT FROM BOROUGH COMMANDER, MARTIN BRIDGER

Mr Bridger explained the massive changes that had taken place during his first year in office and reviewed the year under the headings of Partnership, Accountability and Intelligence sharing. As well as partnership with the Council, there was a need for community engagement and shared responsibility. Much had been achieved. Crime generators were identified, such as poor quality of life; this was evident on the S Acton Estate, recognised as a ‘hot spot’. A crime squad had been established at Acton Police Station, intelligence led, focusing on gun crime and level 2 drug activities. An Independent Advisory Group had been set up. Crime was down by 8%, other than sex crimes. There were 28 more police officers in Ealing, with more to come, and 2445 fewer victims of crime.

Consultation is vital; he was reviewing the current systems and insisted that the police WILL listen. The community can hold the police to account, help prevent crime and have a greater say in how it is policed. The Met. was introducing ward/neighbourhood policing; this would be tried out in 3 areas of Ealing, yet to be identified; the priorities were: the reduction of priority crime, community engagement and ‘neighbourhood reassurance policing’.

Antisocial behaviour was another priority; the borough strategy was imminent.

In response to questions, he confirmed that Ealing had received an extra £25m for lighting improvement and Acton would be first in line; Acton Police station was open 24 hours a day; a small amount of money was available for gating schemes in hot spot areas.

It was obvious that many in the audience attend only to hear the police report. It was already after 9pm and so many departed that the meeting became inquorate. This was probably a good thing as bickering started about procedures. Another AGM will be called in March. It is a sad reflection that more people are not prepared to attend and stand for office in community organisations such as this and Neighbourhood Watch. The absence of any young people was noticeable. It would be appreciated if more people from AGRA attended; the meetings are open. Let me know if you are interested.

Liz Dendy, January, 2004