Wandsworth Council to fund 25 Met Police officers
The proposal aims to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour that might not otherwise be prioritised by existing forces.
Incident → evidence → outcomeWandsworth Council is proposing to spend £3.1 million in its initial year to fund 25 Metropolitan Police officers. The initiative, which aims to address crime and anti-social behaviour not currently prioritised, involves an agreement with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). The proposed team will consist of 22 constables and three sergeants.
These officers are intended to act on local concerns, including issues related to drugs and anti-social behaviour, that might otherwise be overlooked. A report by council officers suggests that co-locating the team with other council services and the CCTV control room, with a primary base within the Wandsworth Town Hall campus, would enhance information sharing, daily tasking, joint problem-solving, and the visible partnership between the council and the police.
Integrated Enforcement Team
In addition to the police officers, the council is developing plans for a new integrated enforcement team. This team would combine police and council powers, featuring a head of service, 22 enforcement officers, a data analyst, and technical support staff. This unit is designed to use intelligence, crime data, and resident feedback to focus enforcement efforts in identified hotspots and improve response times to local issues.
The council also plans to review its existing enforcement services, examining powers, staffing levels, operating hours, case management, and fixed penalty levels. The objective is to create a unified and responsive model capable of addressing multiple local problems simultaneously while potentially reducing current enforcement costs.
The estimated total cost for the new police officers, necessary equipment, transport, and the integrated enforcement team is £4.9 million for the 2027/28 financial year. The proposal is scheduled for discussion by Wandsworth's new Enforcement Committee on October 5, with a final decision to be made by the Cabinet on October 12.
If approved, the new police officers could begin deployment early next year. The agreement for the officers is planned to run for at least one year, with an option to extend for an additional two years.
Questions this report answers
01How much will Wandsworth Council spend on new police officers?
Wandsworth Council plans to spend £3.1 million in the first year on 25 Metropolitan Police officers. This cost covers 22 constables and three sergeants who will focus on local crime and anti-social behaviour.
02What is the overall cost of the enforcement proposals?
The total estimated cost for the new police officers, equipment, transport, and an integrated enforcement team is £4.9 million for the 2027/28 financial year. This figure represents the projected expenditure for a more comprehensive enforcement model.
03When will a decision be made on this proposal?
The proposal will be discussed by the Wandsworth Council's Enforcement Committee on October 5. A final decision will then be made by the Cabinet on October 12.
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