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.
— 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.
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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