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Friends of Greenwich Park

Plans to Close The Royal Parks Police Unit.

We have been made aware that there are plans to close The Royal Parks Police Unit.  
In Greenwich we have six officers who are responsible for the safety and security of all those who use the Park, providing seven days per week coverage, 365 days a year.
Traditionally there was a Royal Parks Constabulary covering The Royal Parks 24/7 with more than 300 officers and staff. In 2004 this was absorbed into the Metropolitan Police Force with the formation of The Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (whilst Met police, this unit is not and never has been part of a local borough policing unit such as Greenwich police). This is a separate unit with an HQ in Hyde Park Police Station. As well as in Central London there are officers in Greenwich and Richmond Parks. The number has been much reduced over time and sits presently at 60 officers.
There is a Safer Park Panel for Greenwich with a membership comprising local community groups, councillors and the Park police. It meets quarterly, reviews safety within the Park and sets priorities for police work. The police who attend this meeting are well versed in Park regulations and of the issues for Greenwich Park.
The FoGP Committee are deeply concerned by these latest proposals which, if implemented, would see a loss of police coverage in Greenwich Park – with adverse implications for visitor safety and security, and for the enforcement of traffic regulations.
The Chairs of all the Royal Parks are combining in an appeal to Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, to ask him to think again.
We would ask Friends also to write indicating their concern about this proposal to:
Sir Loyd Grossman, Chair of the Royal Parks, Head Office, The Old Police House, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH.
MP Matthew Pennycook, The House of Commons, Houses of Parliament, St Margaret St, London, SW1A 0AA.
Email: matthew.pennycook.mp@parliament.uk
 Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JL.
Email: comm.po@met.police.uk
Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Anthony Okereke.
Email anthony.okereke@royalgreenwich.gov.uk
 
With many thanks,
Tina Challacombe, Chair of the Friends of Greenwich Park