Met Pledges to Put Crime Victims in the Spotlight with New Helpline
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has launched a dedicated phone helpline to keep victims of crime front and centre of the Met’s efforts. The new service promises easier access to vital case information, backed by a £3 million annual boost from City Hall.
Sir Mark: Victims’ Voices Will Drive Change
Speaking at today’s Victims’ Summit, Sir Mark said: “Our officers meet people at their most traumatic moments. While they do an excellent job, the pressure on their time sometimes means follow-up and victim support falls short.”
He added: “That’s why we’re using new technology and creating a dedicated team to improve our service. We want victims’ experiences to guide everything we do. We are committed to listening and making practical changes that make a real difference.”
More Support, Faster Updates
Commander Nick John, leading on criminal justice, said City Hall’s funding allows the Met to back victims at every stage – from the first police call to court appearances.
The helpline will give victims timely updates. Plus, victims will receive QR codes linking to online guides explaining the criminal justice process and support available.
“The Commissioner is clear: victims are central to everything we do. We’re launching more focus groups and advisory panels to learn directly from their experiences,” John said.
Mayor Khan and Top Officials Join Victims’ Summit
The summit, hosted by London’s Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman and backed by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), features a star line-up. Speakers include Mayor Sadiq Khan, Director of Public Prosecutions Max Hill KC, and Victims and Sentencing Minister Edward Argar MP.
Sir Mark also highlighted one of his Turnaround Plan’s top priorities: “Police will attend every reported house burglary — a prompt and proper response is what every victim deserves.”
To tackle call demand issues, £2.5 million is ring-fenced to reform Met’s command and control operations, boosting capacity so victims get the service they need.
