New Croydon police borough commander Adrian Roberts spoke exclusively to Kirsty Whalley about his vision for Croydon and promised more police on the streets and to give young people a say in policing.
Croydon’s borough commander Chief Superintendent Roberts, a father-of-three, grew up in Croydon and is passionately committed to robust policing in the borough.
He said: “Croydon is my town. I am immensely proud to hold this role and I would not stake my reputation on it if I did not feel passionately about this borough. I could lose a lot privately if I don’t deliver.”
He said he is turning the clock back on policing and putting more police on the streets across Croydon’s wards and that he would divert police to where they are most needed.
He said: “In the afternoon around 50,000 to 60,000 youths come through our town centre and we have the largest night-time economy outside central London.
“It’s not just about the town centre, I am very conscious residents outside don’t get their share of the deal and I’m committed to bringing the same principles to all the wards in Croydon.”
Chief Supt Roberts’ major objective is to involve more youths in policing in Croydon.
He said: “I want young people involved in the decision making and police consultation groups.
“We are starting to get that off the ground and at the end of the summer I want to have the groups established.”
With the recession, budget cuts are inevitable, but Chief Supt Roberts has said it will not affect frontline policing.
He said: “I am looking at innovative ways to get more out of our resources in Croydon.
“I’m looking into better shift patterns and I’m not cutting overtime. I am also always looking for more funding.”
Chief Supt Roberts said he wants to extend initiatives such as Operation Safe for All and the work done by the gangs’ unit.
Chief Supt Roberts said: “I set up the gang unit because I felt it was important we balance robust investigation with support.
“I’m aware youngsters involved in gangs have reasons for being in that situation and we have got to offer support to them and their families if that gang is criminally minded.
“I will not be soft on those youngsters and I will never take my eye off violent street crime.”
Chief Supt Roberts spoke about the recent Tamil protest in Parliament Square, for which all London Boroughs provided police.
He said: “I would be lying if I said it did not have an impact on Croydon but we have to look at the wider picture and the Tamil community has been going through traumatic times.
“If police officers have to be absented to deal with wider issues then that is what has to be.”
He said he did not know how much policing the protest had cost Croydon as the figures had not yet been finalised.
But said: “I could give you the figure in the region of £100,000.
“We are hopeful Croydon is going to be replenished with those funds.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here