Safer Neighbourhood Teams are modelled on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week neighbourhood beat policing initiative which was pioneered in Chicago. In Tooting, Safer Neighbourhood Teams are made up of one shift, working eight hours a day, five days a week.
In order to get the double-figure decreases in crime seen in Chicago locally, we need 24/7, high visibility, neighbourhood beat policing - and that is exactly what Mark Clarke is campaigning for.
In addition to this, Mark is also calling for PCSOs (Police and Community Support Officers) to be given a fuller mandate. PCSOs take the same risk on the beat as Police Constables but are not insured for that. As a result, PCSOs are told to step away from trouble. PCSOs need to be given the mandate and the backing to tackle crime and disorder on our streets.