Liberal Democrats in Haringey have welcomed the Metropolitan Police’s decision to make officers in the borough wear protective vests. The decision, which also affects eleven other London boroughs, follows a review of health and safety issues following an incident in Newham where an officer was shot.

Lib Dem councillor and GLA member Lynne Featherstone believes the measures are fully justified, in view of the recent incident in Newham and the general problems with gun crime across the capital.

Cllr Featherstone comments:

“I think the Met Police have made a sensible decision. Many officers already wear the ‘metvest’ on a regular basis. This directive merely ensures that they are all protected by this essential, potential life saving piece of equipment.”

However she adds that while protective measures were important, the Government needs to do more to tackle the causes of crime:

“It is important that while police tackle crime, the Government addresses many of the social problems that lead people into crime. Without the Government doing its part, the crime problem will grow and the police will need consider other protective measures.”