Police chief accused of 'con' over local squads

Scotland Yard chief Sir Paul Stephenson was accused of trying to "con" Londoners today over plans to change the way the capital is policed.

A major row erupted at the Metropolitan Police Authority over the future of London's Safer Neighbourhood patrol teams after Sir Paul said communities would be consulted over any changes.

But Liberal Democrat Dee Doocey said: "I think you are trying to con us, commissioner. On the one hand you are telling us you are going to consult but on the other hand it is blindingly clear that a lot of these changes have already been decided upon."

The Yard is believed to be working on plans to change the way the teams, consisting of one sergeant, two constables and six PCSOs, are deployed.

Ms Doocey, who later apologised for saying "con", said a letter from a Kingston commander had revealed that police officers in future would be moved from low crime areas to places of greater demand.

Sir Paul said the future of the teams was not "pickled in aspic".