City of London Police Welcome Government Reform Plans But Seek Recognition of Unique Fraud Role

Senior figures at the City of London Police have welcomed the government’s police reform proposals whilst emphasising the force’s unique role in tackling fraud and economic crime.
Tijs Broeke, Chair of the City of London Police Authority, and Pete O’Doherty, City of London Police Commissioner and National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Cyber and Economic Crime, issued a joint statement in response to the government’s White Paper on police reform.
“We support the Government’s ambition for more effective policing and welcome the White Paper’s recognition of the City of London Police’s unique expertise in fraud and economic crime,” they stated.
The pair highlighted the force’s position as the National Lead Force for Fraud, noting that the City police, supported by the City Corporation, play a vital role in tackling cyber crime, protecting the UK’s economic security and keeping the Square Mile safe.
“The White Paper roadmap should reflect this role and unique partnership, and we look forward to working constructively with Government on its police reform ambitions,” they added.
Mr Broeke and Mr O’Doherty also addressed proposals concerning the National Crime Agency, which currently leads the system-wide response to economic crime, including serious and organised fraud. Whilst the agency is proposed to move into the National Police Service, they clarified that this would not result in any immediate change to the policing response to fraud currently led by the City Police.
The statement emphasised the force’s contribution to supporting the government’s ambitions for both economic growth and public safety through its specialist expertise in financial crime.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​