Met Police Vows to Keep London Safe Amid COVID-19 Crisis
Commissioner Cressida Dick has sent a strong message to Londoners: the Metropolitan Police will not back down despite the growing threat of COVID-19. “This is a tremendously worrying time for the people of London and the whole country,” she said, “but we are absolutely determined to continue to provide the best possible public service.”
Here for London, Come What May
The Met boss reassured the public, “We are here for them. The Met is here to protect people and prevent crime wherever we can – and we will continue to do that.” She highlighted the force’s flexibility and strength: “We have a well-rehearsed plan and are a large organisation with the ability to flex and move people and resources to meet the demands we face.”
Commissioner Dick, spotted patrolling Croydon with 30 officers tackling local violence, emphasised the force’s longstanding commitment: “Londoners have seen us respond to all kinds of major incidents in recent years and we will always be here for them.”
Joined-Up Response with Government and Health Authorities
The Met is working hand in glove with Government, City Hall, Public Health England (PHE), and the NHS to stay ahead of the fast-moving situation. As part of the London Resilience Group — alongside City of London Police, London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance, local councils, and the Mayor’s Office — the police are ready for whatever comes next.
All interactions involving officers or the public potentially exposed to COVID-19 are managed strictly by PHE guidelines and National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) advice. Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmons leads an experienced command team overseeing the Met’s internal and external responses.
Prepared, Adaptive, and Ready to Act
- Robust contingency plans are under constant review to tackle pandemic challenges like event cancellations.
- The force can swiftly redeploy staff and resources wherever needed.
- Occupational health teams provide daily updates and expert advice to officers.
- Frontline police have been issued face masks and personal protective equipment when responding to potential COVID-19 cases.
Commissioner Dick stressed, “We will keep our operational capability under constant review and ensure we maintain our core policing duties.” Londoners can rest assured: the Met is ready to fight crime and protect the capital, no matter the crisis.
