New research from Lib Dem London Mayoral candidate, Rob Blackie, shows that local policing is still under pressure in London, with as many as one in five local teams getting smaller.
Statistics from the Metropolitan police, analysed by Rob’s team, show that one in five Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) across London were smaller in October than six months earlier in April – despite a pledge to prioritise local policing earlier this year.
The Met’s overall strength has also shrunk in the last six months – with 308 fewer officers, and 176 fewer people overall (Officers, PCSOs, MSC, PCSOs) than in April 2023.
The Mayor’s failure to meet recruitment targets is likely to mean funds provided by the Home Office for new officers will need to be returned.
Commenting on the figures, Lib Dem Rob Blackie said:
“Londoners have really felt the absence of bobbies on the beat in their local communities. These latest figures reveal that in many areas in London, community policing is actually going backwards.
“The mismanagement of the Met Police has been the Mayor’s single biggest failure. Trust in the police has hit record lows and this is clearly having an impact on recruitment and retention.
“London needs a Mayor who is capable of turning the Met Police around and Sadiq Khan just isn’t up to the job.”
