One of the things we have all been working on since the start of 2009 is implementing our new Policing Pledge. Whats all that about then?, I hear you say.

Well, its a Home Office idea, rolled out nationally, to make sure that your police will do what they say they will.

The key points of this pledge as far as Safer Neighbourhood Teams are concerned are about communication. If you visit the MPS website and look at your local ward you will now find details of surgeries and meetings published on there. Soon the ward priorities will be listed, and in the near future happy smiling photos of your teams. This will enable you to recognise them as police when they are walking along your street in their uniforms and big hats. There is also an undertaking to respond to your calls to the teams within 24 hours.

All this is all very well but its pretty meaningless if we don't perform where it really matters. For all the changes in technology and processes the core business of policing and our objectives have never changed. Arresting bad guys, solving crime, and making people feel safe, thats what matters, and that is my pledge - that we will never forget that and always try to help you.

Stay safe Neil