Bromley will continue to have a dedicated emergency police response team following the proposed merger with Croydon and Sutton forces, it has been revealed.
The news follows a consultation about the merger, which would see Bromley, Croydon and Sutton become one of 12 larger Basic Command Units (BCUs) in the capital.
Councillor Kate Lymer, executive councillor for public protection and enforcement, said: “This news is very welcome. We have been relentless in raising our concerns about the proposed merger and those of residents too, and we are pleased to have achieved this successful outcome.
“The sheer scale and size of our borough meant that a dedicated police response team for our borough was always the best option and this is what is now happening. Bromley remains a safe borough compared to many other London Boroughs and we are committed to working with the police and the wider Safer Bromley partnership, including residents, to make sure that Bromley continues to be a low crime borough”
The plans mean police officers, buildings and resources will be shared across borough boundaries and each of the new BCUs will be led by a Chief Superintendent.
The merger, which local MP Bob Stewart described as “bad news for Beckenham” is part of the Metropolitan Police’s effort to make savings of £325 million by 2021.
Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe, Metropolitan Police South Area BCU Commander, added: “There is still much work to be done before the BCU structure goes live early next year but many of the elements are already in place. I am proud of the good work currently going on across the borough and I am optimistic that by working as closely together as we can, including with residents, and by managing the resources as best that we can, we’ll continue to have a positive impact.
“In addition to the dedicated emergency response team for the borough as a whole, each ward will also continue to have dedicated ward officers, who will tackle local priorities, all of which gives me optimism for the future.”
Bad news, and a bad move. Again they put cost first before the safety of the paying public. Bromley, & Beckenham are no different to any other boroughs around London. It’s a disgrace. No wonder Britain is in a mess, & getting worse. I have friends in the forces around the boroughs, and they agree it will only put more pressure on the men & woman who try very hard to keep us safe. You will learn the hard way powers to be. It’s too late you’ll see.