Rid the Met of rotten apples - Dee Doocey

12.00.00am GMT Wed 25th Mar 2009

The Mayor should take immediate steps to ensure that Metropolitan Police officers who are convicted of violence or dishonesty are kicked out of the force says Dee Doocey, the Liberal Democrat London Assembly police spokesperson and a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority.

At Mayor's Question Time Dee Doocey pointed out to the Mayor that almost half of the Metropolitan Police officers convicted of violence in the last six years are still serving.

Dee Doocey said:

"The vast majority of police officers do an excellent job. However a small fraction of police officers let down the profession as well as the public.

"It is vital that the Met takes firm action against police officers with a record of violence or dishonesty. I've asked Boris Johnson for an assurance that Metropolitan Police officers with convictions for violence are banned from using firearms or tasers.

"I welcome the fact that the Mayor accepts the need for changes to the current guidance. However as chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority the Mayor must address this issue as a matter of urgency, and not leave it to the Met's internal processes. Public confidence will be eroded if the current situation is allowed to continue."