Mayorwatch directs us to a new Metropolitan Police Authority questionnaire inviting Londoners to set out their priorities for London's policing. Kit Malthouse is quoted on the press release:
"We promised we would listen, and this is your chance to be heard, so please take it. Let us know what you think about the Met, the MPA and any crime or policing issues that bother or enthuse you, so we have a better idea of what you want from us."
Malthouse, of course, is running the police show. We await more news of the Cindy Butts inquiry into racism in the top ranks, an issue that has to be settled without fear or favour - and seen to be so - if quality intelligence about gangs and street crime is to be maximised.
I'm hopeful. Malthouse and the mayor seem to recognise the importance of the issue and, what's more, they recognise that Londoners will soon be looking to them for results. Add to that the pragmatism on which Tories often pride themselves, and we may have the ingredients required for a result. I explained my cautious optimism at Cif last week. If it turns out to be misplaced, we could be heading for even bigger trouble.
