This is Croydon -- LONDONERS are being asked whether police should be allowed to use water cannon. The tactic, currently only used by police in Northern Ireland, would be deployed in response to serious or exceptional public disorder, under plans put forward by the Met and Mayor of London Boris Johnson. Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe has expressed his support for its use since the summer riots of 2011. Rioting and looting in Croydon saw 28 buildings set alight and 252 businesses damaged as police failed to maintain order. Now residents are being asked if the police should be able to use water cannons if similar circumstances were to occur in the future. Stephen Greenhalgh, deputy mayor for policing and crime, said: "Surveys have indicated strong support for the police to have every tool at their disposal to prevent riots. "The professional view of police leaders is that water cannon would be a useful tactic to help protect people and property in response to extreme public disorder. "The Mayor has given his support in principle, subject to proper rules for deployment, but our tradition of policing by consent means we do not want to go ahead until we have heard from Londoners." Mark Rowley, assistant commissioner, said: "Our operational review of the police response to the 2011 riots identified a future need for water cannon to be available for those few, rare situations where its absence would lead to greater disorder or the use of more extreme force. "The Commissioner and I both believe that water cannon in London would be rarely seen and rarely used, but that it should be available to help our officers protect people and property in the event of the most serious public disorder." The six-week consultation will involve a series of meetings, including one in public at City Hall on February 17. The Home Secretary will have the final decision after the police consider the results of the consultation. Police wanted to fire plastic bullets at rioters in Croydon during the disorder but specially trained officers were elsewhere in London. *Should police be allowed to use water cannon to quell public disorder? Tell us your opinion below*
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