Met Police comes out of special measures

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) moved out of special measures after two and a half years of improvement works.

The Met was placed under an enhanced monitoring process called ‘Engage’ by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in June 2022, after concerns were highlighted in a number of areas.

After improvements, HMICFRS has removed the Met from ‘Engage’ entirely.

The MPS is now responding more quickly to emergencies. Last year, staff responded to 4,660,891 contacts, of which 2,394,416 were 999 calls, 1,279,552 were 101 calls and 988,923 were digital contacts.

86.2 per cent of 999 calls were answered within 10 seconds from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 compared to 77.6 per cent the previous calendar year.

8,000 officers have been trained in the identification of child exploitation and launched a new Children’s Strategy.

Hundreds more officers have been put in the domestic assault and rape and sexual offence teams, and the number of charges for rape and sexual offences doubled.

500 staff have been added to the neighbourhood policing model, ranging from Superintendent to PCSO and new values have been embedded in the organisation through the Culture Plan and London Race Action Plan.

Meanwhile work has stepped up to identify offenders and possible corruption within the force.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The progress we have made over the last two-and-a-half years would not have been possible without the unwavering passion, sense of duty, courage and hard work of our officers and staff in the face of some incredibly challenging circumstances.

“The whole of the Met has worked to fix our broken foundations and make sure our officers are set up to deliver for London.

“Their achievement is all the more extraordinary in a budget constrained, shrinking Met which is facing increased demand.

“Our exit from Engage is welcome recognition that we are on the right path to deliver on our promise to Londoners of More Trust, Less Crime and High Standards.”

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Today marks an important and welcome step in the Metropolitan Police’s improvement plan to increase standards and rebuild confidence. In London and across the country, communities rightly expect the highest standards from their local force.

“While the scale of the challenge is clear, and there have been many problems to deal with, the commitment and progress made by the Met Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, officers and staff across the capital in raising standards is extremely important, and reflects the hard work and dedication of all those involved.

“Everyone recognises that there is still more work that must be done to improve performance and restore public confidence, and I will continue to work closely with the Commissioner and the Mayor to ensure this is just the first step in a long-term mission to improve the Metropolitan Police and keep people safe across London.”

A New Met for London plan was launched in July 2022 to address areas of concern raised by the inspectorate and inquiries such as the Casey Review. The plan set out the collective mission to rebuild the organisation and deliver More Trust, Less Crime and High Standards.

According to the Met, over the last two-and-a-half years, officers and staff have been working to address more than 100 recommendations, and several Causes for Concern, while facing budget constraints, sustained demand of public order and protest in London, and increased scrutiny and accountability.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I welcome His Majesty’s Inspectorate confirming that significant improvements are being made by the Met Police on both improved performance and transforming culture.

“This is down to the hard work of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Met officers and staff, who are rebuilding public confidence and trust in the force, as well as record investment and support from City Hall. Emergency calls are now being answered faster, vetting is being strengthened and neighbourhood policing is being revitalised.

"Having asked the HMI to look in particular at concerns around child sexual exploitation, it's reassuring that the Met Police have made significant improvements in this area, including around missing children and victim blaming language.

“There’s still more to do, and as Mayor, I’ll continue to work with the Commissioner to ensure we drive through the further improvements needed as we build a safer London for everyone.”