Police services board backs chief following a vote of non-confidence from police union
In November, Williams reallocated resources from the London Police Service core unit to the frontlines
The London police services board is expressing its support for the city's police chief, Steve Williams, after an apparent vote of non-confidence from the police union.
The board said in a statement Sunday that it is aware of a meeting of the London Police Association (LPA) that took place last week. Board chair Susan Toth said she knows there was a non-confidence vote, but said the LPA has yet to officially notify the board.
"At this point, we're going to wait until we have heard official news from the London Police Association about this vote, and what exactly is at the root of this vote, and what led to it," Toth said. "But until such time as they reach out to us, the board is just expressing its absolute full confidence in Chief Williams and in our unequivocal support for him and his leadership."
LPA president Dave Gilmore declined to comment.
A statement from the <a href="https://twitter.com/ldnpoliceboard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ldnpoliceboard</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ldnont?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ldnont</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/lpsmediaoffice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lpsmediaoffice</a> <a href="https://t.co/yw2ZaUyLPP">pic.twitter.com/yw2ZaUyLPP</a>
—@ldnpoliceboardFrom January to October 2021, London police officers spent 33,000 hours more than in the previous year servicing roughly the same number of calls, according to a report from the police services board.
Calls for life-threatening emergencies and serious crimes in progress increased by 27 per cent. There was a 96 per cent increase in response times for urgent calls, but not for calls categorized as emergencies.
In November, Williams decided to reallocate resources from the London Police Service (LPS) core unit to support the service's frontline officers.
100% agree. I have known <a href="https://twitter.com/S_Williams001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@S_Williams001</a> for many years, first as Deputy, now as Chief. He has the qualities I personally value in a leader. Candour. Integrity. Honour. Intelligence. Compassion. <br>Someone who lifts others. 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/EwlSOXmRBx">https://t.co/EwlSOXmRBx</a>
—@TothSusanEight school resources officer positions, and eight members from other operational areas, were temporarily assigned to front patrol duties. Eleven officers from the community oriented response unit were transferred to patrol operations as well.
"It is actually Chief Williams who has kept us informed of these increasingly complex calls, the incredibly long calls for service queues, and has told us that this is a major issue that's going to have to be addressed," said Toth.
"He has been strongly advocating for his people, trying to make sure that they get the support that they need, that they try to not get burned out. And it's an incredibly challenging situation."
Toth said the board will work to understand the list of concerns LPS members have.
Williams acknowledged the vote in a statement, saying he is committed to discussions with the LPA executive that will guide any next steps.
"These are challenging times for everyone — the community and the police," said Williams.
"I continue to be incredibly proud of the work members of the LPS do each and every day. We share a common goal, and that is to be well as a team so we can serve the community with excellence. That will continue to be my focus moving forward."