London Police Launches Met Engage for Direct Communication with Community

Strategic Insights -

Londoners will now be able to receive updates from local officers through a new service called Met Engage. The initiative aims to provide neighbourhood policing, with crime prevention advice, information about local events, and updates on ongoing incidents. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, emphasize the importance of community involvement in shaping policing priorities and reducing crime.

Key Takeaways:

  • Met Engage is a new initiative by the London Metropolitan Police to provide direct communication with local communities.
  • The service will offer crime prevention advice, information about local events, and updates on ongoing incidents and investigations.
  • Neighbourhood policing is a key aspect of the Met's focus on trust, crime reduction, and high standards.
  • Communities will be able to sign up for Met Engage and receive tailored updates based on their location and preferred topics.
  • Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, has praised the launch of Met Engage, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shaping policing priorities.
  • Met Engage is part-funded by City Hall to bolster neighbourhood policing and drive down crime across the capital.
  • The Met's new neighbourhood policing model involves increasing the number of officers in neighbourhood policing to focus on local issues.

Statistics:

  • The Met has seen large reductions in shoplifting, phone theft, and burglary in London.
  • The number of neighbourhood police teams has been increased, with every borough now having an additional 500 staff.
  • Met Engage is provided by VISAV Limited, a company that has produced similar products for other police forces across the UK.
  • The service will not replace existing methods of reporting crime, including the Met website, calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Sources:

  • London Metropolitan Police
  • Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley
  • Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
  • VISAV Limited