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The Metropolitan Police in London is undergoing plans to shut down half of its front desks at police stations as a cost-cutting measure, as reported by the BBC. The proposed closure would decrease the total number of front desks in London from 37 to 19, breaking a previous commitment to have a staffed counter available 24/7 in each of the city’s 32 boroughs. A spokesperson from the Met Police stated that the plan is currently under consultation, with no immediate changes expected until later in the year. They highlighted that with the Met’s budget shortfall and decreased size, it is no longer feasible to maintain all front counters open.
The Metropolitan Police, which covers all areas of London except the City of London, has been facing financial challenges recently. Chief Sir Mark Rowley recently cautioned Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer about the potential “stark choices” that police forces might have to make regarding which crimes to prioritize in case of budget cuts. The issue of funding became prominent during negotiations between Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and the Treasury, with Cooper being the last cabinet minister to agree on her department’s spending. Labour’s commitments to reducing violence against women and girls and knife crime are under scrutiny amidst the backdrop of trust issues stemming from Sarah Everard’s tragic murder at the hands of a police officer.
In light of revelations concerning deep-seated misogyny and racism within the Met, the force embarked on a two-year plan to rebuild trust with Londoners. The strategy, titled “A New Met for London,” includes renewed commitments to community policing. Despite earlier pledges to have at least one 24/7 front counter in each borough for crime reporting ease, leaked plans indicate that only eight counters will maintain round-the-clock service. The proposed reduction in operating hours at 11 front counters on weekdays and weekends has been met with criticism but defended by a Met Police spokesperson, who emphasized the need to redirect resources towards crime prevention and community policing.
In the past year, only 5% of crimes were reported at front counters, with the majority of incidents being reported through other channels such as phone, online platforms, or interactions with officers elsewhere. The significance of front desk reporting is highlighted by the fact that nearly 50,000 crimes were reported at existing front counters out of a total of almost one million crimes reported to the Met in 2024 (excluding fraud), according to the latest government data. As the situation unfolds, both the Home Office and the Mayor of London have been approached for their comments on the evolving developments at the Met Police in London
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