The Blackshirts of Barnet

By Amy Wevill

Security guards wearing secret cameras on their lapels have been hired by Barnet council to control local meetings. The cameras, which also record sound, were used to “amass evidence” claims a director of the private security firm MetPro Rapid Response.

Not only were the guards wearing these cameras but it seems they had an altogether threatening demeanour and approach. One 85 year old local resident claimed they reminded him of the Blackshirts. Seven such guards were present at the budgetary meeting on 1^st March where no criminality took place.  

Barnet council claims to have terminated their contract with MetPro Rapid Response, which has now gone into liquidation. However, a new company was set up in January called MetPro Emergency Response which boasts testimonials from Barnet council on their website. It remains unclear whether a contract exists here.

The response from Barnet council to an article in the Ham & High states that they never authorised the cameras. This is frankly unsatisfactory. These measures were completely unnecessary and this case demonstrates how local councils should take greater when contracting out such services.

Comments

[startledcod]

"this case demonstrates how local councils should take greater when contracting out such services". No, the Council should not be wasting taxpayers money on any such services, at all. No doubt this is one more front-line-service that the rates payers need.

[Richard Craven]

Buggers.

[Purlieu]

Didn't they get the memo ?
Also I hope that the "testimonials" on MetPro Emergency Response's webpage are theirs and not those done for MetPro Rapid Response, otherwise oh dear....

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[mbt online]

That was my thought,too.

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Not only were the guards wearing these cameras but it seems they had an altogether threatening demeanour and approach.

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No doubt this is one more front-line-service that the rates payers need.

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The response from Barnet council to an article in the Ham & High states that they never authorised the cameras.