More about this area

The force says...

The Met is London’s police service: the biggest in the UK and the largest city force in Europe, ensuring the safety and security of a thriving political, economic, cultural and technological capital. London is a global city with an ever-changing population that is expected to reach 9.2 million by 2020.

Alongside policing a geographical area of 620 square kilometres, the Met has a significant number of officers and staff in specialist crime, investigations and operations.

The Met currently has 30,000 police officers – around 24 percent of the England and Wales total. This takes account of the demand in a global city: London receives 30 million domestic and international visitors annually, and more than half of the terrorist and organised crime threat sits in London. It also reflects the Met’s national role in areas such as terrorism and the response to serious and organised criminality, as well as its responsibilities with regards to the protection of iconic sites and in royal, parliamentary and diplomatic matters, such as visiting dignitaries.

The Met continues to become more efficient through a significant change programme, which has to date delivered £700m in savings. An additional £400m in savings are to be made by 2021.

Bearing down on violence in all its forms is a priority and includes refocused tactics against knife crime and people who carry knives – combining police enforcement with prevention and community-led action – as well as tackling the threat from terrorism. At the same time, the Met is strengthening how it works, along with other agencies, to protect London’s children. And it’s transforming itself, using technology and data, skills and engagement to fight crime more effectively.

Disclaimer: the above statement has been prepared by Metropolitan Police Service. The views and information in it are not necessarily those of HMICFRS.