PRESS RELEASE

2 December 2003

Croydon's police belong on the streets of Croydon says Ottaway

Richard Ottaway, Conservative MP for Croydon South, has called for central government funding for a designated London police force after it was revealed that almost 20% of Croydon's police were deployed to police the state visit of President Bush.

The Home Office has confirmed that the number of Croydon police officers deployed for the President's visit was at its highest on Thursday 20th November when 125 officers, out of a 650-strong force, were sent to central London.

Richard Ottaway says:-

"Croydon's Police belong in Croydon. They belong on the streets of Croydon."

"At a time when the Police are occupied with issues ranging from the level of street crime to terrorist attacks, consideration has to be given to a special standing police force in London. This force should be financed by central government and its role determined by London's status as a world capital - anti-terrorism measures, diplomatic protection and the policing of protests and marches."

ENDS

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