Police Commander delivers hard facts at London South East Colleges

Police Commander Dr David Musker of the London’s Metropolitan Police took time to visit London South East Colleges’ Bromley Campus last week and delivered a number of important messages to students regarding knife crime and gang culture in the Capital.

Over one hundred students attended to hear the Police Commander talk about the issues affecting young people and their families throughout London and further afield. The most pressing concern for his unit is the very disturbing rise in violent crime and its causes.

Dr Musker has had a 29-year-long career in the Metropolitan Police which began back in 1989. Throughout this time, he has been promoted from Constable to Sergeant to Inspector, Chief Inspector, Superintendent, Borough Commander to Commander and now he heads one of the most important operations on the streets of the capital.

He told students: “At school, I always wanted to become a Policeman. Although I went to university and studied for a degree in Biochemistry – later taking a doctorate – it was a life in the force that always attracted me. Each morning when I wake up, I feel that same conviction I have to fighting crime as I did on my first day on the beat. In fact, it is even stronger today than ever before.

“Recently, over the past year, there has been a sharp rise in the number of young people (particularly boys and men) who have fallen foul of knife and gun crime. My commitment to ending what has almost become a culture amongst young men, is what drives me.”

Students listened intently as Dr Musker went on to present them with the hard facts about what a life of violence, drug dealing, gun and knife possession will lead to.

“It may look attractive, cool, and exciting at first,” he continued. “Boys (and even some girls) as young as just 8 or 9 are being groomed into carrying out fairly routine tasks such as delivering packages for gangs, hiding firearms or other such illegal items. This eventually leads to being required to carry out much more sinister business for the gang’s leaders. The failure to do so can result in very unpleasant circumstances.

“In my 30 years on the force, I have had to knock on the door of many a parent to deliver the horrendous news of their child’s death, as well as attending many funerals. None of it makes any sense and it is something you can never get used to.”

Dr Musker brought with him a number of statistics to show students what he says, ‘highlight a number of different demographics and trends that lead young people into committing and becoming victims of violent crime’.

He said: “Inevitably, one thing leads to another. You are drawn in by a promise of money and material possessions, a more extravagant lifestyle, notoriety and power. You will drive nice cars, become respected and even feared by your peers. The truth, however, is somewhat different.

“I have seen some of the toughest and most egotistical young guys resort to breaking down and crying when they are handed very long sentences for their actions. That moment of realisation – ‘this was never part of the plan’ when a judge hands them a 15-year prison sentence. 15 years of their lives to be spent incarcerated. Believe me, Britain’s jails are full of these people – people with massive regrets and remorse. Suddenly they aren’t so tough.”

At the end of the lecture, students were given the opportunity to ask questions and many of them took up the opportunity to do so. Questions raised covered the issue of stop and search, how drugs and firearms are imported and distributed, girl gangs, the causes of crime, Police protection for witnesses, trust and confidence in the Police, and crime prevention.

College Chair of Corporation, Stephen Howlett CBE DL, officially closed the lecture and thanked Dr Musker for his incredibly insightful words. He said: “I think I can speak for us all by thanking Dr Musker for his valuable time. This (the lecture) was brilliant and I hope that all he has said truly echoes and sinks in. London does remain a safe place to live, study and work but like any international city, there are dangers and we must all do what we can to stay safe. I hope that you all take away with you the wisdom that that our Police Commander has very generously given to you today.”

Sports Science student, Craig Williams, 17 said after the lecture: “Wow! I’ve learnt more than I ever though I would do today. Dr Musker has a voice and a presence that certainly means business. Some of the things he told us were very sobering but necessary. I now have more of an understanding and a deeper comprehension about the work of the Police and some of the things they are up against in their fight against crime.”

Public Services student, Mirwis Halimi, 24, would like to join the Police and spoke to the Police Commander immediately after the lecture. He said: “I’ve just spoken to Dr Musker and he’s given me some very good advice on how to apply for and become a special constable. I am very impressed by this man and I have huge respect for him and the people who devote their lives, often putting themselves at great risk, to protect the public. It is quite often a thankless task and there is no room for mistakes. The professionalism and commitment Police officers are expected to show at all times is immense.”

Health and Social Care student, Kayleigh Leonard, 17 wants to work with children in care (looked-after children) when she graduates from her course. She said: “Statistically, children in care are more likely to be in care because of domestic abuse and are far more likely to become embroiled in a life of crime than any other group. Dr Musker actually mentioned this as part of his lecture.

“I think everybody who came along today received quite an eye-opening experience. The Commander gave us facts and made us all more alert to some of the harsh realities of life. I personally, now feel I am more awareness of the bigger picture.”