This resource is from the News section. This page contains press release 34/03, in which the MPA announcing it is conducting a far-reaching scrutiny in order to improve the way the Met tackles the problem of gun crime in London..

Sections available here:

• MPA Gun Crime Scrutiny
  • Notes to editors

MPA Gun Crime Scrutiny

34/03
22 May 2003

The Metropolitan Police Authority is conducting a far-reaching scrutiny in order to improve the way the Met tackles the problem of gun crime in London.

Cindy Butts, chair of the scrutiny panel, said:

"Gun crime destroys lives and brings fear and intimidation to our communities. The MPA is very concerned by the increases in gun crime and has set up the scrutiny panel to assess how effectively the MPS is responding to this problem.

"Although there are signs of improvement, the scrutiny panel will be seeking out best practice and making recommendations on how good ideas might be developed in partnership with all agencies to cut gun crime in London."

The panel consists of eight members who will examine evidence of the effectiveness of the Met's response and consult with interested individuals and organisations. The scrutiny panel will be particularly interested in finding out how the MPA can effectively support organisations working within the community against gun crime.

The final report, setting out the scrutiny's findings and recommendations, will be available on the MPA website in January 2004. Written evidence is invited from all interested individuals and
organisations and a consultation questionnaire can be obtained from the scrutiny manager. Attendance at evidence hearings can be arranged for interested parties by contacting the MPA in advance.

Notes to editors

1. The MPA's co-ordination and Policing Committee approved the terms of reference for the scrutiny on 19 May 2003. The paper is available on the MPA website at www.mpa.gov.uk/committees/cop/2003/030519/04.htm.

2. The overall number of firearms offences across London rose by 3% in 2002/03. Of that percentage, the number of violent crimes against the person in which guns were used was 24%.

3. Trident related murders rose by 29% in the first four months of 2003 compared to the same period last year.

4. For information on the scrutiny please contact:

Sally Palmer
Policy Officer Review
Metropolitan Police Authority
10 Dean Farrar Street
London, SW1H 0NY
Telephone: 0207 202 0212
Fax: 0207 202 0200
Email: sally.palmer@mpa.gov.uk

Further media information

For further information, please contact:

The Press Office:
Metropolitan Police Authority
10 Dean Farrar Street
London, SW1H 0NY

Tel: 020 7202 0217/18
Fax: 020 7202 0241

Out of hours:
Pager: 07659 127 087
email: press@mpa.gov.uk