Top police figures are being quizzed tomorrow (Thurs) by London Assembly members over the rise in crime and violence.

The Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner and London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing & Crime face questions on the sudden increase in reported rapes, how youth re-offending and domestic violence are being tackled and the use of Tasers for arrests.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Mackey and Deputy Mayor Stephen Greenhalgh are also being questioned on the Leveson report into the media when they face the Assembly’s Police & Crime Committee in a public session at 10am at City Hall.

Stephen Greenhalgh chairs a public debate in the New Year on planned cuts by the Met police which takes place at the People’s Palace on Queen Mary’s college campus in Mile End on January 24—one of a series of public meetings across London.

He warned last week of tough decisions having to be made in “these challenging economic times,” involving changing how buildings such as police stations and custody suites are used, which critics fear could mean police stations closing. Scotland Yard is looking at its property to see where costs can be cut.