Keep politics out of policing, says Met chief
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The independence of police to decide how best to fight crime must not be compromised, Britain's most senior officer said yesterday.
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Paul Stephenson, said officers must remain aloof from party politics. Speaking at the Police Superintendents' Association conference, he told officers that operational decisions were "ours alone".
He said: "I've been brought up in my career on the inviolate principle of police operational independence. That principle has underpinned my career. It will continue to underpin my commissionership."
The speech was Sir Paul's first public opportunity to set out his stall since he took control of the Metropolitan Police in January. Sir Paul's remarks will be seen as a rebuke to comments by a deputy of the London Mayor Boris Johnson this month. Kit Malthouse had said he and Mr Johnson "have our hands on the tiller" of the force.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments