A message to residents from the Wandsworth Borough Commander
Whilst I have spoken on this subject to a number of audiences over recent months, I felt it now timely to outline the nature and scale of our policing response across London and, more importantly, the continued delivery of the policing service in Wandsworth.
The Olympic policing operation In London involves the whole of the Metropolitan Police Service. It is the biggest challenge in our history and the planning and testing has been extensive over a number of years to get to this point. Police leave during this summer has been significantly restricted and all officers are now deployed to a specific shift pattern. London policing will benefit from significant numbers of officers drawn in from county Forces to supplement our capability in London.
Our approach is to provide a presence in key areas where necessary, whilst holding significant numbers of officers in reserve to respond to any eventuality that threatens the safety and security of the Games. These officers will be available to police London, including deployments to Wandsworth. All London Boroughs will have some impact from the range of events taking place and the predicted growth in visitors to the capital. This is a London-wide policing operation.
For Wandsworth, we have the River of Music Event on 21 and 22 July at Battersea Park, the Olympic Torch Relay on 23 July 2102, the Road Races on 29 and 30 July, the Torch Relay in Queenstown on 26 July and is final route down river on 27 July for the Opening Ceremony. Beyond these there will be a range of other events linked to the Olympics. The Olympic Route Network runs across the Borough from Wimbledon Parkside to Vauxhall to service the tennis at Wimbledon.
This will be a very demanding period for the MPS and the Borough Command. It will also be, I'm sure, one of the most memorable and enjoyable events for us all.
I, and my command team at Wandsworth, will have access to significant numbers of additional officers for deployment. The presence in each Ward will be maintained as will all the existing means of contacting Safer Neighbourhood Teams. In short, all elements of our policing service will be delivered as normal. There will be substantial numbers of officers deployed to the capital and capable of supporting policing in Wandsworth. You may also be reassured to know that one of our three London briefing centres is to be located at Battersea Power Station. This will be catering for 2000-2500 officers each day being briefed and deployed across the capital.
Alongside my reassurance as to the continued policing service, I would just urge everyone to think about and plan their transport and travel during the Olympic Games. The weekend of 29 and 30 July 2012 with the Road Race and continued Olympic Route Network will severley restrict the road capcity and routes in the west of the Borough.
David Chinchen
Chief Superintendent
Wandsworth Borough Commander
June 28, 2012