This resource is from the About MPA section. This section contains a factsheet about the MPA.

Sections available here:

• The MPA Factsheet
  • What is the Metropolitan Police Authority?
  • Why does London need the MPA?
  • How does the MPA listen to Londoners?
  • How is the MPA structured?

The MPA Factsheet

updated March 2005

What is the Metropolitan Police Authority?

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is responsible for maintaining an effective and efficient police service for London. It is an independent statutory body, established under The Greater London Authority Act 1999, and came into effect in July 2000.

Why does London need the MPA?

The establishment of the MPA marked a fundamental change in the policing of London. The Authority gives Londoners a regime of local democratic accountability for policing that previously did not exist – its duties and responsibilities formerly rested directly with the Home Secretary. Members of the Authority scrutinise and support the work of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) www.met.police.uk.

• MPA Committees

The Authority’s tasks are to:

• increase community confidence and trust in London’s police service;
• secure continuous improvement in the way policing is provided in London;
• publish an Annual Policing Plan in consultation with London’s communities;
• set policing targets and monitors performance regularly against those targets;
• oversee the appointment and discipline of senior police officers;
• oversee formal inquiries and the implementation of their recommendations;
• be accountable for the management of the police budget.

An essential part of the Authority’s role is to listen to the real concerns of Londoners about crime and policing to inform the Annual Policing Plan and the setting of priorities for the forthcoming year.

• Annual & Policing Performance Reports (on MPS website)

How does the MPA listen to Londoners?

A vital part of the MPA’s role is to consult with Londoners about the police, their performance and how this can be improved. Consultation helps the MPA learn what should be set as priorities for the police in the year ahead.

Ways of consulting include:

• Safer London Panel
  The Authority’s own citizens panel made up of 3,000 people chosen to reflect London’s population. They are asked to give their views on specific issues about how London is policed.
• Community engagement in every borough
  The MPA is committed to ensuring that every borough in London has a means for people to communicate with their local police.
  This usually takes the form of a Community Police Consultative Group, but in some areas different methods are being developed.
  The MPA takes part in numerous events and organises community engagement programmes across the capital. Details of these events are published on our website.

How is the MPA structured?

The MPA Board is made up of 23 members, 12 from the Assembly (including the Deputy Mayor) appointed by the Mayor, 4 magistrates selected by the Greater London Magistrates Courts Authority and 7 independents, one appointed directly by the Home secretary and the other vacancies advertised openly. The Chair of the MPA is chosen by the members themselves, all of whom are eligible.

• Members
• Members allowances
• Members expenses

Each member is linked with at least one borough. This means that wherever you live a member is taking a keen interest in policing issues in your area.

• Members Link boroughs

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18