Independent body launched to build trust between communities and police

A new independent body will work to improve accountability and transparency in local policing.

The Southwark Policing Oversight Board launched at an event on Thursday at Southwark council’s Tooley Street office.

Led by Southwark council, the board will work in partnership with the Central South Borough Command of the Met to improve trust and communication between police and the community.

The launch comes in response to the findings of the Baroness Casey Review, published in 2023.

Commissioned in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard, who was killed by Met cop Wayne Couzens, the report exposed “deep-seated homophobia, misogyny and racism” within the Met police.

After its release, the London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for urgent action to rebuild trust between the police and communities in the capital. 

Southwark residents were invited to apply to join the oversight board earlier this year. 

It is made up of people from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of expertise and lived experience who will meet regularly throughout the year.

The board operates independently but in collaboration with the police, providing oversight to ensure the Trust and Confidence plan developed by the Central South Borough Command Unit, serving Southwark and Lambeth, is implemented effectively. 

It can request evidence, identify areas for action, offer constructive guidance to encourage changes and ensure public voices are involved in decision making.

The launch event was hosted by Cllr Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods for Southwark council. 

Guests included  resident board members, Borough Commander Sebastian Adjei-Addoh, and Marina Ahmad, London Assembly Member for Southwark and Lambeth and member of the Police and Crime Committee, who spoke at the event. 

Steven Davies from Active Communities, a charity which works with young people to tackle inequality, was also in attendance and spoke of the importance of the board in addressing community concerns.

Cllr Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, said: “We know crime and antisocial behaviour are among the biggest concerns of our residents and the relationship between many people living in Southwark and the Met has taken a hit in recent years. 

“I’m pleased that Borough Commander Adjei-Addoh and his colleagues are taking positive steps to address the very real issues people have. We all want a safer Southwark and I’m confident the board will play a huge role in achieving that.”

Residents can share their thoughts on local policing with the board by emailing policingoversight@southwark.gov.uk.

Pictured top: Launch of the Southwark Policing Oversight Board launched at Southwark council’s Tooley Street last year (Picture: Southwark council)