Brian Paddick writes: Lessons from the Tottenham riots (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

Brian Paddick writes: Lessons from the Tottenham riots

August 9, 2011 10:54 AM

paddick • [Aug 09] Brian Paddick writes: WHAT can be learnt from the riots in Tottenham this weekend? There have been many controversial police shootings in recent years but this would not appear, on the face of it, to be one of them. The matter is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) and from my experience that might be part of the problem. There are also deeper issues that need to be addressed.

Local people are apparently complaining that the police have not talked to them or the family of the deceased about what happened . .

The Metropolitan Police Service desperately needs strong and decisive leadership from someone who has experience of dealing with similar issues in an equally difficult and volatile situation. The Mayor of London and the former Home Secretary failed to appoint him last time, instead appointing someone who got out of the kitchen as soon as the heat was turned up. Boris Johnson must not make the same mistake again and have the courage to appoint Sir Hugh Orde this time around. London also needs a Mayor who knows about these issues, who is not afraid to hold the police to account and who can give the new Commissioner the political backing he needs to take decisive action.

• Brian Paddick writes: Lessons from the Tottenham riots [Lib Dem Voice Aug 09]

• Police must show there is no bias against black people [Paddick, Independent Aug 09]

• 'Police prevarication sparked the UK's Tottenham riots' [Stafford Scott, OurKingdom Aug 08]