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1 Apr 2004 - 31 Dec 2004 New policing partnership for The Royal Parks All From today The Royal Parks are being co-policed by the Royal Parks Constabulary (RPC) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). This means that RPC officers will work alongside MPS officers and newly recruited Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), in a partnership that will ensure continued low levels of crime and reassure the public through a high visibility and permanent uniformed presence in the Parks. Superintendent Derek Pollock, RPC Chief Officer, said, 'In 2003-2004 there were 513 crimes reported across the 6,000 acres we patrol, which is an incredibly low number and a testament to the safety of the public in the Royal Parks. Co-policing between the RPC and the MPS will ensure visitors to the Parks continue to feel secure and free from the threat of crime.' The co-policing arrangement is the first stage of a process that began in 2000, when there was an extensive inspection of the RPC by Anthony Speed, a former Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). A number of key recommendations were made about the RPC's structures and practices, including that the RPC should merge with the MPS. The merger will create a dedicated Operational Command Unit (OCU) within the MPS that will police the Parks as the RPC currently does. This OCU will be 'ring-fenced' (meaning its resources cannot be siphoned off into other areas) and a clear statement has been agreed between Lord McIntosh, Minister with responsibility for The Royal Parks, and the Metropolitan Police Authority, which sets out the policing services the OCU will provide. Policing in the Royal Parks dates back to 1872 when the Parks Regulation Act created a force of Royal Park Keepers. For the merger with the MPS to be fully complete there will need to specific legislation passed in Parliament. There is no space in the current legislative timetable but it is hoped that an opportunity will be found as soon as possible. In the meantime changes are being sought to Police Regulations that will enable RPC officers to transfer across to the MPS, ensuring continuity and the transmission of experience and local knowledge in the OCU. One of the major benefits of the co-policing arrangement will be the arrival of PCSOs, who will help police officers do their job more effectively and increase the visible police presence in the Parks. PCSOs don't have the powers of a police officer but they will patrol the Parks and can, in certain circumstances, issue fixed penalty notices and detain individuals until the arrival of a police officer. PCSOs wear a distinct uniform with bright blue hat bands, epaulettes and chest badges. They also carry official ID. 45 PCSOs are expected to arrive in the Parks by July 2004. - ENDS - Source: The Royal Parks For further Information Contact: The Royal Parks Press Office T: 020 7298 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk Editor's notes: The Royal Parks Constabulary is responsible for policing more than 6,000 acres of London, including Royal Parks, Gardens and other open spaces. It also plays a key role in policing State Ceremonials. The RPC is accountable, via The Royal Parks, to the DCMS and does not come under Home Office control, although it follows all Home Office police force standards, e.g. training, discipline and equipment. The RPC provides the best possible level of visible policing for London's Royal Parks, ensuring that they remain free from disturbance and the fear of crime. The RPC has over 140 officers who provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week policing. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park. |
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