Police urged not to overindulge after riots

Speaking before the Home Affairs Select Committee, Acting Metropolitan Police commissioner Tim Godwin praised officers for their hard work.

He rejected claims police had been “timid” in their response at riots and welcomed the support from people across London.

“The Met Police has probably not had as high a morale as it does now, in recent months and years. And that’s because the people are supportive, they’re thanking them for their results on the night.”

I believe one community centre has gone from cakes being baked by citizens for local officers – who’ll end up with a figure like mine if they carry on – to a full menu being laid on. We are trying to dissuade them from spending too much time eating. Acting Met Police Commissioner Tim Godwin

‘Full menus laid on’

But he offered a tongue-in-cheek warning to officers not to let the praise go to their heads, or their waist lines.

“There’s been a lot of support that’s been given to the officers on the ground, where people have been standing up clapping them. Offering them in for dinner, creating showering facilities.

“I believe one community centre has gone from cakes being baked by citizens for local officers – who’ll end up with a figure like mine if they carry on – to a full menu being laid on.

“We are trying to dissuade them from spending too much time eating,” he joked to MPs.

Morale at record highs

Mr Godwin thanked his “very tired force”, many of whom have worked 18 to 20-hour-shifts during the riots.

He said the “connectivity” between police officers and the public had helped restore order and drive the recovery of battered communities.

“The most important bit is how quickly communities recover and how quickly communities have confidence in the police.

“I pay tribute to my officers that that has been restored significantly and so quickly.”

Police officers have arrested nearly 1700 people for being involved in rioting and looting across 660 crime scenes.