Select Committee on Home Affairs Written Evidence


8.Memorandum submitted by the City of London Police

  1.  The City of London Police has a strong commitment to protecting the interests of the financial district of London. It is a specialist Force with extensive counter terrorism experience, technology and resources. The unique and diverse environment of the City presents continuous challenges in ensuring that the financial and business district remains a welcoming global finance centre in which to work, reside and socialise and continues to make a significant contribution to the economy of the United Kingdom.

  1.1  In presenting the unique position of the City of London may I remind you of the national and international importance of the Square Mile, which is illustrated by the following statistics:

    —  The City of London is the world's leading international financial and business centre—a global powerhouse at the heart of the UK's financial services.

    —  A significant amount of the UK's current account of over £13 billion is generated within the Square Mile.

    —  The Square Mile contributes 3% to the UK's GDP and 13% to London's GDP.

    —  The City of London is a vital asset to the British and European economies. Its markets are innovative, competitive and internationally focused.

    —  The best companies in the world do business in the City of London.

    —  $504 billion foreign exchange turnover each day in London.

    —  56% of the global foreign equity market.

    —  70% of eurobonds traded in London.

    —  $2,500 billion per annum traded on metals in London.

    —  London is the world's leading market for international insurance. UK world-wide premium income reached £157 billion in 2001.

    —  £2,829 billion total assets under management in the UK in 2000.

    —  Nearly £1 billion in overseas earnings generated by the maritime industry.

    —  463 foreign banks.

    —  19% of international bank lending arranged in the UK (largest single market).

    —  429 foreign companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

    —  75% of Fortune 500 companies have London offices.

    —  375,000 jobs.

  1.2  The financial district of the City of London is particularly "target rich" and therefore an attractive environment for terrorists. Over the last 35 years the Square Mile has been subject to terrorist attack on thirty occasions, many of these have been by Irish terror groups, though other groups have also carried out actions against targets in the City with devastating effect. Such attacks in the City of London have enormous impact nationally, internationally and on the world's financial markets.

  1.3  The area is densely populated by banks and financial institutions, which means it remains the financial heartland for Europe. In addition to these sites the City is also host to a number of key economic and iconic sites such as the Bank of England, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the Central Criminal Court. The utilities infrastructure is extensive and supports a substantial amount of the business activity.

  1.4  As a global economic capital, the City is considered to be a prime target for international terrorists. This view is borne out by the fact that such groups have targeted international financial locations in the recent past, ie New York on 11 September 2001 and the Istanbul attack against HSBC on 20 November 2003.

  1.5  Policing the City of London presents constant challenges for the Force. During a working day the population increases to over 350,000 people of an estimated 189 different nationalities. A densely populated area, target rich environment and home to internationally recognised iconic sites are key elements in make the City an attractive target for a spectacular terrorist atrocity.

  1.6  Stop and Search powers under the Terrorism Act are an integral part of the Force's counter terrorism training programme. All officers joining the Force receive this training and refresher training is also key to ensure that all operational officers have a sound understanding of their responsibilities.

  1.7  The City of London Police has extensively used Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 as part of its ongoing counter-terrorist initiatives. This power is renewed on a 28-day basis, and each renewal has to be ratified by a Secretary of State, the Force has not encountered any problems with this renewal in recent months. The community feedback about the exercise of the powers has been particularly positive. Issues of human rights, cultural diversity, and integrity are given high consideration when using these powers.

  1.8  Between April 2003 and March 2004 the Force conducted 8,813 stops on members of the public under the Terrorism Act of whom 68.5% were subject to search. Intervention by City officers exercising this power resulted in 183 arrests and one arrested for terrorist offences. Exercising this power has the potential for conflict with members of the public, it is therefore to the credit of the professionalism, courtesy and the respect shown by City officers for the diverse population they police that during this period the City of London Police received just six complaints arising out of these stops, of which:

    —  four were informally resolved.

    —  one became subject of a Police Complaints Authority Dispensation Order (no further action to be taken as the complainant could not be traced).

    —  one not pursued by the complainant, once the reasons for the stop had been fully explained.

  1.9  The London Metropolitan University has recently completed and independent study of the City's application of powers to stop and search. This included direct observation of officers behaviour by independent researchers. The research has shown that there is no evidence of disproportionality in the actions of officers.

  1.10  Intelligence led high visibility public reassurance policing is a constant feature in the financial district. Counter terrorism operations, often in partnership with other agencies are targeting key locations. These operations and other counter terrorism tactics lead to the gathering of valuable intelligence has resulted in positive feedback from the Security Services.

  1.11  The Force is committed to full accountability in exercising powers under the Terrorism Act whilst paying due regard to civil liberties of the public. It is paramount that the powers are used in line with agreed strategy and tactics and the Force has robust and established monitoring systems to ensure that no communities or individuals are being unfairly targeted.

  1.12  The National Policing Plan demands the promotion of community cohesion, which is central to the work of the Force in providing a quality service to the diverse residential, business and transient population of the Square Mile. This is one of the key aims of the City of London Police in underpinning its aims in sustaining and improving good relations with the local community. The Force values the community it serves and a wide range of officers who are easily accessible regularly engage in dialogue with Chief Executives, Security managers and other key stakeholders. The introduction of wards policing where named ward constables are responsible for day to day liaison between the Force, business community and the elected Alderman and Common Council Members for that ward has extended our pro-active involvement with all communities.

  1.13  The Force has pioneered Project Griffin, an initiative that engages the Force with security professionals in the fight against terrorism. A structure has been introduced whereby the Force run counter terrorism awareness days for security staff, weekly intelligence and information briefings and a commitment that in the event of a major incident security guards will assist the police. To date, 500 security guards are involved in the initiative which is an excellent illustration of the Force working in partnership with the community to make the City a hostile environment for anyone prepared to be involved in terrorism. Particular emphasis was placed on hostile reconnaissance.

  1.14  The Square Mile has an increasingly diverse community and the City of London Police has continued to adopt an approach, which has helped it recognise the expectations of the community, which has led to a forging of closer links. As a result the inaugural City of London Independent Advisory Group (IAG) was formed in late 2003. The unique demographic nature of the City, has dictated the composition of the IAG, hence opportunities for making links with the voluntary and private sector have been maximised by approaching agencies throughout the City and Greater London.

  1.15  The group has ensured that the City of London Police is benefiting from independent critical advice, which is constructive and provides a guide for the Force, linking into strategic aims, such as policy consultation, emphasising the City of London Police's commitment to greater accountability.

  1.16  The Force enjoys a healthy relationship with members of the Jewish community. Patrolling and specialist officers regularly visit businesses and religious buildings to offer security advice and provide valuable reassurance to this vulnerable section of the community. Our understanding of the needs, concerns and safety of the Jewish community is illustrated by the resources that the Force deploy daily in providing valuable reassurance. During Jewish High Holy Days the Force works in partnership with the Community Safety Trust to provide additional reassurance during this period of tension. The Force is currently exploring ways of greater involvement with the Muslim community. For example, the Counter Terrorism Section and Race and Diversity Unit are currently progressing an initiative that will improve our links with the Muslim business community.

  1.17  The City of London does not underestimate its enormous responsibility in protecting the financial district. The business community quite rightly demands a quality counter terrorism response, of which public consultation is a key factor. In response to the security fears of the community armed foot patrols have been introduced to reassure diverse sections of the business and religious community. Through consultation with the community during the planning phase and communicating our intentions this major change in our counter terrorism tactics was readily accepted.

  1.18  The City has always prided itself on being at the cutting edge of technology and is in the process of researching, evaluating and deploying new technologies suitable for the continued role of detecting, disrupting and deterring terrorist activities. These initiatives are supplementary to the existing CCTV coverage, which capitalises on police and community technology to provide the highest concentration of coverage in the United Kingdom. The force pioneered Automatic Number Plate Reader in 1997 and the application of both static and mobile technology has been successful.

  1.19  The City of London is one of the safest cities in the world enjoying a low level of crime. This has not happened by chance. The Force recognises the importance of the Square Mile to the economy of the United Kingdom. It constantly works in partnership with the Corporation of London in providing a quality service to ensure that the City remains an attractive venue for global companies to carry out their business in a safe and secure environment.

  1.20  The Force has an excellent record on the quality of service it delivers to all sections of the community. Our officers are dedicated, professional and energetic in their approach to ensure that those working, visiting and residing in the Square Mile are safe.

  1.21  The experience of the City of London Police is therefore one of extensive, but careful use of the legislation in a balanced, proportionate and accountable way. The City has many potential targets and the appropriate use of legislation is essential in reassuring those who live and work in the City and to secure an important UK strategic asset, and the international financial community as whole.

16 September 2004


 
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