490.Section 323 amends the boundary of the metropolitan police district (MPD) to make it coterminous with Greater London, excluding the City of London, the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple (which will continue to be policed by the City of London police force). At present, the MPD extends beyond Greater London, incorporating parts of Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey. This section removes this historical anomaly. There are 43 police areas in England and Wales, and these are based on whole counties and/or districts. Schedule 27 makes some consequential changes, by repealing various provisions which will be obsolete once the MPD boundary is brought into line with those of the London boroughs. Paragraphs 69, 84 and 105 of Schedule 27 remove references to the previous boundaries of the MPD. Paragraph 85 of Schedule 27 also ensures that the GLA will be consulted should the Secretary of State decide to amend the MPD boundary.
491.Section 324 enables the Commissioner to second officers from the metropolitan police force to the county forces of Essex, Hertfordshire and Surrey to meet demands placed (or expected to be placed) on those forces as a result of the changes to the MPD boundary. The purpose of any such secondments would be to provide adequate policing cover in the areas transferred, giving the county forces sufficient time to recruit new officers to police those areas in the longer term.
Commentary on Sections Part Vi: Police and Probation Services Sections 323 and 324: Alteration of the metropolitan police district