The Listening Commissioner

Extending the project to include Adult Services was a stroke of brilliance.We now have both ends covered---the Youth and vulnerable adults as well.Even more impressive is the fact that Harrow Police will sit side-by-side at our Civic Centre,with partners in the Council,Youth workers,parents,Charity workers Neighbourhood Champions and other affected parties, to help find local solutions,working hand-in-hand to tackle these problems most effectively.

It is music to my ears to hear that the Commissioner was so impressed by what he has seen thus far that he has promised the Leader of the Council he will return here soon.His focus on cementing ties with Harrow and extending support to us is invaluable.The Met is looking to use our work as a blue-print to roll out to the rest of London.Forgive me for sounding so smug but this is no mean feat.Full marks to Harrow Police and Borough Commander,Dal Babu,along with Harrow Council and the Corporate Director of Chidrens Services,Catherine Doran,who have spear-headed this initiative so deftly.This is what true partnership-working looks like. MASH definitely has the potential to deliver most effectively and makes good sense.

Having Dan Burke,Director of Ignite Youth Trust,complementing this team is another sensible decision.His expertise in dealing with problematic youth,including gangs,anti-social behaviour and serious violence will be a big asset.I have found him both helpful and knowledgeable.

We are really in a strong position with so many heavy-weights championing this cause.Wonderful news for Harrow!

I had a taste of the Commissioner's open-mindedness at our first official meeting at a public gathering this January ,held at Harrow High School.He came across as being a man of integrity and one who meant what he said.He spoke his mind very openly and took careful note of our concerns which he started addressing soon after his visit.Very impressive!

His honest appraisal of thorny issues such as Stop and Search and Racism is most refreshing.He is not averse to taking risks and is not over- concerned about being popular.Rather likes following his own heart and takes a very pragmatic view of things.Many other Chairs of Police Community Engagement Groups in various London Boroughs have also found him easy to relate to.The secret of his success must be his close engagement with communities throughout London.We are twice blessed --to have an excellent communicator in our Commissioner as well as one in our Borough Commander.Both have a natural affinity for engaging with communities which is quite remarkable.A sure-shot recipe for success!

The live web-casts,relayed from different London boroughs at road-shows,are very popular and an incredibly easy way to directly engage with Commissioner Hogan-Howe.The last one was held on 22 May. Please refer to http://www.met.police.uk/askmetboss/.You will find some very interesting answers to pertinent problems, affecting the safety of all Londoners.Taking part is most rewarding and very worthwhile.Each borough has its own set of problems but many themes/issues are commonly shared by all.

Please let as many as possible know so that they may take full advantage of speaking with the top man, in charge of London's safety. Make relevant points and,preferably ask questions which will benefit all Londoners.This is a prime slot and worth its weight in gold.Perhaps we might have local web-casts set up in each borough,seeing how successful these have been.This is something for the Commissioner to consider.

Bernard Hogan-Howe is not just a "listening Commissioner"but one who sets his face boldly and acts fast..He has shown interest and true passion for finding solutions to the problems faced by our youth as well as the man on the street.It carries the message that he genuinely cares.Let me qualify this.He has recently taken the bold step of "putting on ice"the proposed closure of Harrow's 11 Custody Cells and is prepared to review and re-consider other possibilities,perhaps following a "middle path".Nothing has been set in tablets of stone.

The "Save Our Cells "petition was launched last Saturday by MP Gareth Thomas.Frankly this is an all-party issue since it affects the safety of all Harrovians and has distinct implications for Harrow's Police officers.We are truly all in this together.Having lost our Magistrates' Court last year followed by the closure of Wealdstone Police Station,plus the transfer of the Crown Prosecution Service and Victim Support to Brent,retaining our Custody Cells,in suitable measure,becomes all the more important.

It is to his credit that after speaking with senior Councillors and the Chief Executive,Mike Lockwood, Commissioner Hogan-Howe has promised to re-visit this important matter.It is rewarding that he is cementing ties with our borough and applying himself to giving us due support and encouragement.We hope he will seriously consider engaging with a number of diverse community leaders and test the waters,before finally making his mind up. One can only hope and pray that he arrives at an acceptable outcome,bearing in mind the economic pressures we're facing.As a people,we must be allowed to retain our unique identity and separateness from our sister boroughs and evolve in our own inimitable fashion,even as we continue co-operating with each another and working in close partnership across many boroughs.

I have already alluded to the Custody Cells issue, in my blog,earlier this month.I humbly suggest that joint consultation, taking members of public along simultaneously often helps take matters of such importance forward far more smoothly.It helps enormously to include ordinary citizens as part of the decision-making process,thereby allowing them to feel "empowered" and in charge of the safety of their own borough.It is a great way to motivate ordinary folk to"buy in".I am confident that will not only help build confidence but will also help keep our record for satisfaction in a healthy condition.

Of course,it's very easy to overlook another memorable occasion which was held on 15 May at the Hendon Peel Centre.You will be delighted to hear that several Harrow Police officers were among the 80 who received Commendations from the Commissioner,for their heroism and bravery during the dreadful riots in London last August.They literally risked their lives to keep us safe.Hearty congratulations to all those awarded ,especially to our local police officers.We salute your efforts and are both very grateful and proud of you!

Just reminding you that Harrow was only one of the ten boroughs which remained riot-free,no thanks to the tireless efforts of our Police and all our partners,both statutory and voluntary,under the leadership of a hugely committed Borough Commander,Chief Superintendent,Dal Babu.We were visited last year by the Communities Safety Tsar and the "Harrow formula "used during the troublesome riots was recommended throughout London ,for future planning for its policing.This is also a first.

Please keep reading and heeding the policing updates and blogs from your Borough Commander.He has many valuable tips to help prevent us becoming victims of crime.You also have a blog by Chief Inspector Russell Hughes which gives you the latest about Neighbourhood Policing throughout Harrow.These are powerful tools which we can use to help keep yourself and your borough safe.Be a superb Harrovian and help us to prevent and solve crimes more effectively.

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here