“The children singing on the stage today, in just four or five year’s time they could be involved in gangs.
“That’s what days like this are about, trying to stop that happening by building a good relationship with the police.”
They are strong words from Assistant Commissioner Helen King, who visited the borough as part of the Metropolitan Police’s community day of action on Thursday, but they’re ones that also sum the day up.
All across the borough, officers were meeting and greeting, offering crime safety advice and attempting to boost the relationship between police and public.
In the Stratford Centre, the Five O youth engagement project band performed on stage, attracting plenty of attention from passing shoppers.
Officers on the stall set up nearby were handing out leaflets, balloons and stickers, offering advice as well as an ear for those who had concerns or questions about policing in the borough.
A tournament at West Ham United’s ground featured children from pupil referral units, while the choir from Portway Primary School were able to join the Five O band on stage for a couple of numbers.
“A lot of people see the police only when things go wrong,” said Borough Commander Tony Nash.
“We want people to tell us when things happen and who is committing crimes.”
It’s a tough job - a recent survey found that less than half the borough’s population had trust in the police - but it’s days like Thursday that help to get the positive message across in a more visible way.
“This is nothing different to what we do every day,” explained Chief Supt Nash.
“We’re talking to the public and working with the community.”
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