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 capital. London is a global city with a diverse and ever-growing population currently at 9 million and set to rise to 9.5 million by 2024. As a major global city, London also receives 30 million domestic and international visitors annually.

Alongside policing an area of 620 square kilometres, 32 boroughs and 632 wards, the Met has a significant number of officers and staff in specialist crime, investigations and operations working pan-London, including in counter-terrorism (CT) and specialist protection. The Met leads on CT policing for the UK.

The Met’s key priorities are set in ‘Met Direction’, its new Strategy to 2025; its mission is to keep London safe for everyone.

The Met currently has 30,500 police officers – around 24 percent of the England and Wales total and c.10,000 police staff (including in a range of specialist functions). Nevertheless, as articulated in the Met’s Force Management Statement, demand has risen considerably and the Met continues to have to make a range of difficult choices on prioritisation given budget constraints. It cannot meet fully all the demands placed on it. For example, it is assessed that 40% of the country’s organised crime threat sits in London. The Met also has responsibility for the protection of the Royal Family and Government Ministers, in addition to a wide range of iconic sites. Moreover, the Met has wider responsibilities in Royal, Parliamentary and diplomatic matters, such as protecting State visits and international summits.

Bearing down on violent crime is its top operational priority. This includes terrorism, knife and gun crime, sexual offending, domestic abuse and safeguarding vulnerable people from predatory behaviour. The Met has become more efficient through a significant change portfolio and continues to make efficiency savings whilst developing its digital capability, improving its services and how it engages with the public.

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