Steve welcomes Croydon’s new police chief

Steve welcomes Croydon’s new police chief

 In Croydon, News, Policing

Croydon has a new police chief, and Steve Reed MP wasted no time inviting him for a walk-about to discuss local concerns about crime and how they can be tackled.  Chief Superintendent Jeff Boothe and Steve Reed MP joined neighbourhood police officers to talk to residents in Thornton Heath and Upper Norwood.

Steve discussed problems including fly tipping and dumped rubbish, gang crime, burglary, domestic violence, and the high number of children in care in Croydon who go missing.

Before setting off, Chief Superintendent Boothe showed Steve the police’s new body-worn cameras that will soon be carried by all police in Croydon.  The cameras help police gather evidence more quickly and also show that officers are carrying out their duties appropriately if challenged.

Steve Reed MP said:

I’m delighted to welcome our new police chief.  He grew up in South London and still lives in the area, so he has a good understanding of the issues we face in Croydon North. We spent the morning walking round the area to look at crime hotspots and talk to residents about their concerns.  The police know more needs to be done to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the community.

Part of my role as an MP involves scrutinising public services such as the police.  We have some great local police officers who do a wonderful job for Croydon despite Government-imposed funding cuts.  I hope the introduction of body-worn cameras, which I’ve now seen in action, will lead to an increase in trust between the police and local people.

  • Steve Reed
    Steve Reed Member of Parliment for Croydon North

Steven Reed is Labour MP for Croydon North and Shadow Minister for Children and Families. In 2018 his private member’s bill on reducing violent mental health restraint became law. In June 2019 he launched Labour’s civil society strategy outlining radical plans to empower citizens and communities.

Steve chairs the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network, co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group for London, was Leader of Lambeth Council 2006-12 where he led the council’s children’s services to become best-rated in the country and pioneered the public-health approach to tackling violent youth crime. He worked in publishing for 16 years and was an elected trade union branch secretary.