New Community Protection Team Established
The Metropolitan Police has announced the deployment of a dedicated team of 100 additional officers to safeguard London's Jewish communities.
This newly formed Community Protection Team will include officers drawn from neighbourhood policing, specialist protection units, and personnel with counter-terrorism expertise.
Recent Incidents Prompt Action
Since late March, London has experienced a series of arson attacks targeting Jewish sites, alongside a double stabbing in Golders Green, which authorities are treating as a terrorist act.
In response, the Metropolitan Police reported that approximately 50 individuals have been arrested over the past four weeks in connection with antisemitic hate crimes related to these incidents, with eight of those arrested formally charged.
Calls for Increased Police Presence
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has previously emphasized the need for 300 additional officers across London, highlighting a concerning rise described as a "pandemic" of antisemitism within the UK.
The newly announced team, initially comprising 100 extra officers, will focus on personnel who are locally based and possess strong ties with their communities, including relationships with residents, schools, faith leaders, and volunteers.
Government Funding Supports Protective Measures
This initiative follows a government funding package of £25 million allocated for protective policing, with £18 million designated for the Metropolitan Police.
The force indicated that this funding has already facilitated an increase of 1,000 officer shifts per week, primarily through overtime and redeployment strategies.
Official Statements
"The creation of a new Community Protection Team of around 100 officers is an important step in strengthening our response to the sustained threats Jewish communities are facing," said Sir Mark Rowley.
"We are working with government and the mayor to ensure the approach we are building can be sustained over time, not just for Jewish communities, but as a model that can support other communities across London when facing elevated risk."
While welcoming the funding, Sir Mark also cautioned that ongoing investment would be necessary to maintain this level of response.
Broader Commitment to Hate Crime Prevention
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated that the new unit will initially concentrate on antisemitic threats but could serve as a framework to protect other communities experiencing increased hate crime.
They further emphasized that addressing all forms of hate crime—including anti-Muslim abuse, racism, and homophobia—remains a core priority for the force.
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