operates the Parks Constabulary. We are committed to a Parks Wardens Service,
used to enforce bylaws in the boroughs parks and open spaces, but are against
the extension of the use of these personnel onto the streets of Newham.
We believe the policing of the high streets and neighbourhoods is exclusively
the right of the Metropolitan Police, answerable to the Commissioner and
Parliament; and accountable to the independent Police Complaints Commission.
Met Officers, unlike parks police, are highly trained, rigourously vetted,
professionally supported, and have the equipment and expertise to deal with
simple and complex issues that arise and develop at anytime.
Parks police are council employees. Outside the borough parks they have as much
authority as you and I, and at best receive a couple of weeks training
specifically on park by laws. They are accountable to the Mayor, and if any
complaints arise, are not subject to an independent review, but their own
management in the same organisation.
A report been commissioned that has just been finished by Newham Council
looking into, institutional racism, carrying of offensive weapons, unlawful
stop and search, amongst other things. It is because the council has decided to
use these council employees inappropriately, and ultimately that could be a
danger to themselves and the general public if situations they get involved
with develop and get out of hand.
Conservatives are not against the fight against anti social behaviour, or in
tackling lawlessness. We fully support an integrated Parks Warden Service, that
are used exclusively within the boundaries of the boroughs parks and open
spaces; provided they wear uniforms and insignia and use vehicles that does not
in anyway make them appear as regular police.
There is a need for more police on the boroughs streets, and this must be
answered by recruiting more highly trained, professional Met Police.
- as an aside, the Head of the Anti Social Behaviour Unit, which the Parks
Police are part of, and subject to the report mentioned above has resigned his
post from Newham Council. Another employee is currently in discussions with the
Chief Executive.
PAUL CLARK
Newham Conservatives
AGAINST THE ARMS FAIR
Working locally to make Newham better