Met Police’s enhanced surveillance ends

According to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS), the Metropolitan Police’s enhanced surveillance has ended.

After this the force remained under additional scrutiny for two and a half years a series of scamsIncluding the murder of Sarah Everard, the strip search of Child Q and being caught exchanging incriminating messages with officers.

HMICFRS said the force had made improvements, but acknowledged there was still a “significant amount” of work to do.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said the force’s progress in a “budget-constrained, shrinking season” was “extraordinary”.

HMICFR’s Lee Freeman said he was pleased with the progress the force had made so far and recommended “removing the service from our advanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and returning it to regular monitoring Is.”

He also acknowledged there was still “significant” work to do – and said he was “confident” with plans in place to “continue sustainable recovery”.

In response, the Met Police said that officers and staff have worked tirelessly to resolve the problems.

It said a new strategy for the force was decided in July 2022 New met plan for london -Aim to rebuild the organization.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley praised “the unwavering passion, sense of duty, courage and hard work of our officers and staff in the face of some incredibly challenging circumstances.”

He added: “The whole of the Met has worked to fix our broken foundations and ensure our officers are ready to work for London.

“His achievement is even more extraordinary in a budget-strapped, shrinking Met faced with rising demand.”

In December last year, the Commissioner had said that there is a need for force. additional £450mA week later the government announced this Provide additional £65m,

The commissioner said the force’s exit from increased monitoring by the inspectorate shows it is on the “right track”.

The Inspectorate found improvements in:

• Responding appropriately to the public and vulnerable people, including responding to calls more quickly
• Assessing and investigating crimes involving missing children and exploited children
• Identifying victim blaming language
• Crime Management, which includes new units that help evaluate crimes and allocate officers with the right skills
• Prioritizing investigative improvements and recognizing the importance of offender management within the investigative process.
• Professional Standards and Property Management

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the force had “many problems to deal with”, but said the news of the inspectorate was an “important and welcome step forward”.

She said: “Everyone recognizes that there is still more work to be done to improve performance and restore public confidence, and I will continue to work closely with the Commissioner and the Mayor to ensure that this first It’s a step.” “On a mission to improve the Metropolitan Police and keep people safe across London.”

Analysis: Sonja Jessop, BBC London home affairs correspondent

There is no doubt that this is an important moment for the Met.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who came into the role just months after the Engage process was put in place, is under immense pressure to prove that his promises of reform are actually delivering results.

The latest HMICFRS inspection is a demonstration of confidence in its progress. But this is the first step.

It will take time for Londoners, who regularly share their fear and frustration over crime and the police response to it, to see results and feel safe.

And today’s good news headline is the Commissioner’s stark warning that “eye-watering” cuts will be made if more funding is not secured.

Sir Mark says the Met has fixed “broken foundations”, but how solid are they?

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said the step forward by the force was due to “record investment and support from City Hall” as well as the force’s hard work.

He said: “While HMI has been asked to specifically address concerns around child sexual exploitation, it is reassuring that the Met Police has made significant improvements in this area.”

But, he also admitted that “there is still a lot to do”.

last week Mayor announced The average council tax bill could rise by almost £19 a year to help pay for London’s police and fire services.