BEXLEY: Clash over chief's remark about police numbers

A SECOND public row over policing has erupted between Bexley's council boss and its top cop following a lull in hostilities over the summer.

Councillor Mike Slaughter criticised Chief Superintendent Chris Cerroni for telling Metropolitan Police Authority chairman Lord Toby Harris he could cope with the current number of officers and less if needed.

Speaking at the borough's police/community consultative meeting, last Monday, Cllr Slaughter said: "We don't need you to say you can manage with what you've got. We need you to be saying you need more officers."

Chief Supt Cerroni said one remark had been taken out of context during a past 30 minute presentation to the MPA. He added he was not in control of police numbers.

Cllr Slaughter shot back saying it was the one remark which would be taken back to the MPA.

The first clash followed an angry speech by Cllr Slaughter to Neighbourhood Watch members accusing police of ignoring the public's opinions on crime, in June.

This new row also revealed tension between the police and council over youth services. Cerroni claimed the council was failing to support the police.

Chief Supt Cerroni, said: "I have asked for a breakdown of where the youth services are in the borough. I have looked for youth workers. I would love them to go to Northumberland Heath and other places. I would like to know where they are."

The clash did not impress residents who accused Cllr Slaughter of bringing politics into a meeting intended to discuss community policing issues.

John Black from Neighbourhood Watch described the meeting as "an unedifying spectacle". "Political people are raising political issues of marginal interest to the people here. I don't know why they come. All we hear is the borough commander being torn to pieces by political people," he added.

The Reverend Alan Horton from Slade Green Community Forum said it was "an ugly meeting".

November 30, 2001 9:37