I am delighted to provide the foreword to the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association Annual Report 2008 - 2009.

I would first like to take the opportunity to commend the Association for its work and determination over the last year to make a difference to policing in London.This Annual Report highlights the valuable range of activities the Association delivers to the London Sikh police officers and the Sikh community.

The Association’s work with local communities, which traditionally have been disengaged from policing, can make a real difference by both raising the profile and highlighting the importance of working together to find local solutions for local problems. It is also important that our police force represents London and the people it works to protect. I applaud the Association’s bold steps to both encourage and support Sikh Officers within the force.

I am extremely passionate about reducing crime in London, especially serious youth violence, but I cannot achieve this alone. The Metropolitan Police Sikh association plays a vital role building confidence and representing the interests of the Sikh community and officers, which is crucial to better policing in London.

I wish the Metropolitan Police Sikh Association every success in the forth-coming years.

Boris Johnson

Mayor of London