London’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has issued a stark warning that police officers voluntarily handing in their Tasers and firearms could make the capital “less safe.” Speaking at an event organised by the Police Foundation on Wednesday night, Sir Mark revealed that a third of officers had given up their Taser accreditation, and over a quarter had surrendered their firearm tickets.
Sir Mark expressed concerns about a “growing crisis” in officers’ confidence to act, citing an accountability process that had “got out of kilter” as part of the issue. He highlighted that fewer officers were now willing to perform high-risk tasks, which could have serious consequences for public safety.
Increased Violence Against Officers
The commissioner pointed to a rise in violence against officers, stating that around 18 officers a day were being “punched, bitten, or racially abused,” with two officers a week seriously injured. He condemned the “shameful” online abuse aimed at officers, noting that such behaviour emboldens criminals.
When people, be they politicians or the public, throw accusations and slurs at the police, they put them in danger by emboldening thugs,” Sir Mark said. “Some people won’t care about that – the criminals – but everyone else should.”
Decline in Confidence and Safety
According to Sir Mark, the decline in officer confidence has led to a significant drop in important policing tactics, including stop-and-search operations, which play a key role in removing knives and weapons from the streets. The arrest rate in London has also reduced.
The commissioner explained that many officers were voluntarily stepping away from roles that require high-risk decision-making. “This means fewer officers doing the high-risk jobs we need them to do. That risks London becoming less safe,” he said.
Call for Accountability Reform
Sir Mark also criticised the current system used to hold police officers to account, calling for a more “timely, fair, and respected” process that would restore officer confidence. He argued that the police should be held to the same standards as other public sectors, such as healthcare, where life-and-death decisions are regularly made.
The ongoing crisis has led to a decline in morale, with 95% of officers in a National Federation survey earlier this year stating that government treatment of the police had a negative impact on their morale.
Sir Mark concluded by emphasising that officers should be supported when they follow their training and act in good faith, comparing the situation to the approach taken in the health service. He reiterated that the lack of confidence in the current system puts not only officers but also the public at greater risk.
This warning comes as the Met Police grapples with how to balance public accountability with officer morale, all while ensuring London remains safe amid increasing violence and crime.
