Under the terms of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, a new
Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is to be established. The MPA will
exercise the same powers as police authorities elsewhere in England
and Wales barring the special circumstances relating to London's
postion as the capital city.
The authority will have 23 members who will serve for a term of
four years effective from July 2000. This figure will be made up of 12
members chosen by the mayor from the membership of the Greater London
Assembly, four magistrates and 7 independent members. A panel
established by the Home Secretary will choose six of these. The final
member will be appointed by the Home Secretary to reflect his interest
in the national functions of the Metropolitan Police.
The stated aims of the MPA are:
- To secure an efficient and effective police service in London
- To ensure the Londoners get best value from the Metropolitan
Police Service
The MPA has a statutory duty to consult Londoners on what they want
from their local police service and it is "expected to play a
proactive role in promoting good relationships between the people of
London and their police force." MPA publicly states that
"This is particularly important in the light of the findings of
the Macpherson Inquiry into the Murder of Stephen Lawrence."
Meetings of the MPA will be open to the public, though the public
may be excluded if sensitive matters are being discussed.
Last updated 09-Oct-00
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