Metropolitan Police Authority facts for kids

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) was a special group that existed from 2000 to 2012. Its main job was to check on and support the Metropolitan Police Service. This police force looks after most of Greater London, but not the City of London Police area.

When the MPA was created in 2000, it changed how policing worked in London. For the first time, London had a local group responsible for its police. This was to make sure the Metropolitan Police Service was accountable to the public.

What the MPA Did

The MPA had a big-picture role. It was not in charge of the daily police work. That was the job of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police. Instead, the MPA worked closely with the police and other groups. These included London's 32 local councils and other parts of the justice system.

Setting the Police Budget

One of the MPA's key tasks was to set the yearly budget for the police. It also watched how this money was spent. This helped make sure the police had the resources they needed.

Who Was in the MPA

The MPA was made up of 23 members. These members came from different backgrounds.

• 12 members were from the London Assembly. The Mayor of London chose these members. They were picked to reflect the political groups in the Assembly.
• 4 members were magistrates. Magistrates are volunteers who hear cases in court.
• 7 members were independent people. This means they were not linked to any political party or group.

How the MPA Started

The MPA was set up in 2000. It was created by a law called the Greater London Authority Act 1999. Before this, the Home Secretary (a government minister) was completely in charge of the Metropolitan Police. The MPA brought more local control and oversight.

When the MPA Ended

The Metropolitan Police Authority stopped existing on January 16, 2012. Its responsibilities were then taken over by a new group. This new group is called the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).