Prime Minister Cameron Seeking Outside Help in British Policing

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images(LONDON) -- In Thursday's address to Parliament, British Prime Minister David Cameron signaled his continued determination to search globally for the expertise needed to solve the crisis in British policing, notably looking toward North America where sources say there are possible candidates in both the U.S. and Canada who could assist.

ABC News has learned that Cameron's public suggestion that the government seek outside advisers -- he notably mentioned former New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton by name -- is an attempt to circumvent Home Secretary Theresa May's determination not to change the requirement calling for a British citizen to be the next head of the Metropolitan Police.

May has very publicly countered the prime minister who had suggested an outsider be brought in to run the troubled department when her office posted ads seeking candidates for the post of Met boss, noting that only British citizens need apply.

While May is under fire as a result of her perceived poor oversight of the Met, it currently appears there will be no move to push her out of government.  May has no background in policing or police oversight, which is a significant part of her portfolio.

Cameron cited gang culture in his speech and noted the American experience in Boston with curbing that culture.

There, Harvard professor David Kennedy mapped gang violence and then used innovative programs in his efforts to curb it.

Bratton and Kennedy have ongoing professional ties dating back to at least when Bratton, a Boston native, served as commissioner there in the 1990s.

It was not immediately clear whether London Mayor Boris Johnson -- who has a say in who might lead the 31,000-officer department -- is aligned with Cameron's thinking.  Johnson is up for re-election in 2012.

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