The Metropolitan Police in London is using counter-terrorism tactics to target predators who pose a threat to women. They are employing the Cambridge Crime Harm Index to evaluate 35,000 offenders annually and identify the top 100 individuals who present the greatest risk to the public. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that the police force is adopting a proactive approach similar to that used in tackling organized crime or terrorism. By building cases against these offenders and removing them from the streets, the aim is to protect women and children in the city.
To rebuild its reputation following a series of scandals, the Metropolitan Police has launched a two-year initiative called A New Met for London. With a budget of £366 million, the plan includes strengthening neighborhood policing and enhancing public trust. This involves moving 240 officers from central teams to local units, hiring 500 more community support officers, and increasing the workforce for investigating domestic abuse, sexual offenses, and child exploitation. Additionally, each borough will have at least one 24-hour front counter, addressing concerns about officers being distant from their assigned areas.
Prior to these changes, austerity measures had led to the consolidation of local borough teams into larger command units. However, Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens acknowledged the importance of a geographical focus and believes that moving away from localized policing was a risk.
The Metropolitan Police has faced significant scandals in recent years, including cases of officer misconduct and the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving officer. Commissioner Mark Rowley acknowledges the need to address these issues and has taken action against officers who have breached standards. This commitment to improving standards is unprecedented within the Met. The force has seen an increase in the number of officers reporting allegations and investigations, resulting in the removal of more officers from the organization. While progress is being made, it will take time for the full effects to be seen, with cases continuing to appear in court regularly.