Cressida Dick Signs Off: London Safer, Violence Down, Met Stronger Than Ever
Met Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has delivered her final “Letter to London,” reflecting on five years at the force’s helm. She paints a picture of progress, pride, and persistence in the fight against crime and terrorism — while admitting there’s still work to be done.
Fighting Violent Crime and Winning
Since taking charge, Dick focused fiercely on violence, especially its devastating impact on London’s most vulnerable. The stats tell the story: murders, shootings, and stabbings are all down — figures not mirrored in other UK cities. She credits strong partnerships and relentless police work for driving these drops.
“Violence is down… because we, working with our partners and communities, drove them down and have brought ever more serious offenders to justice,” Dick says. “I am confident the reductions will be sustained.”
Thousands of new officers are hitting the streets, swelling the Met’s ranks to a record-breaking 34,000 strong. That means more boots on the ground, keeping neighbourhoods and town centres safer.
Counter-Terrorism: Vigilance at a New Level
Since the horrific 2017 attacks, the Met and UK intelligence have thwarted 29 terrorist plots. Dick credits innovations like the Counter-Terrorism Operations Centre — a high-tech hub uniting partners under one roof — for boosting effectiveness and efficiency.
Diversity, Challenges, and the Road Ahead
The Commissioner boasts the Met is “far more diverse and inclusive than ever.” She urges people from all backgrounds to join the force, highlighting it as a “wonderful place to work.”
Yet Dick acknowledges lingering problems and public distrust. Some officers have failed the service and the city. She pledges zero tolerance for misconduct and promises ongoing reforms, including a new violence against women and girls plan shaped by Londoners’ voices.
“We hear the criticism… Each one drives us to get better, to root out those who don’t uphold our standards,” she admits.
She warns against the politicisation of policing, stressing that operational independence is vital to democracy and public trust.
A Final Message to Londoners
As her tenure ends, Cressida Dick is “extremely optimistic” about the Met’s future.
“London is a safe city in so many ways. You have a fantastic police service. The 44,000 women and men of the Met care passionately about getting it right and always want to be here for you.”
