The Police and Crime Committee met on Wednesday 28 January 2026 to discuss a range of policing matters in London. Key topics included the Government's new White Paper on police reform, the ongoing efforts to reduce homicides in the city, and the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) transition to electric vehicles. The Committee also addressed concerns regarding vetting standards within the MPS, the management of the MPS's estate, and the policing of protests.

Government White Paper on Police Reform

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, welcomed the Government's White Paper, From Local to National: A New Model for Policing, stating it aligns with the Mayor of London's commitment to strengthening neighbourhood policing and modernising technology. She noted that the proposals for a new National Police Service (NPS) could alleviate pressure on local forces. However, concerns were raised by Assembly Member Susan Hall regarding the potential impact on operational independence, while Assembly Member Gareth Roberts questioned the premature welcoming of reforms given the ongoing work to understand their implications, particularly regarding funding reductions for the MPS due to the potential transfer of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) functions. Assembly Member Alex Wilson sought clarity on political engagement leading up to the White Paper's release, and Assembly Member Lord Duvall highlighted the importance of understanding the detail of public order implications. Assembly Member Zoë Garbett expressed concern about the effectiveness of the current complaints process in light of the White Paper's proposals.

Homicides in London

The Committee received an update on the significant decrease in homicides in London during 2025, with 97 recorded incidents, the lowest since 2014. Deputy Mayor Comer-Schwartz attributed this success to the MPS's focus on tackling serious violence, disrupting gang networks, safeguarding vulnerable people, and utilising technology. The use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology was highlighted as a key factor, with 962 arrests made in 2025 and 1,100 by early 2026. Assembly Member Garbett raised concerns about the lack of legislative framework for LFR and potential conflicts with ongoing consultations and court cases. Assembly Member Unmesh Desai inquired about the use of data from programmes like V100 to support homicide reduction, and Assembly Member Emma Best questioned the effectiveness of the MPS's Understanding Homicide: A Framework Analysis report, particularly regarding its applicability to violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Metropolitan Police Service Transition to Electric Vehicles

Amana Humayun, MOPAC's Chief Financial Officer, provided an update on the MPS's transition to electric vehicles, noting that currently only three per cent of the fleet is fully electric, with a further 16 per cent being hybrid. She explained that the transition is driven by legal mandates, with ICE vehicle production ceasing after 2035. The MPS is taking a cautious, pilot-based approach, with Stoke Newington police station operating a fully electric emergency response fleet. Concerns were raised by Assembly Member Emma Best about potential deprioritisation of other policing areas due to capital investment in EVs, and the impact on police station infrastructure. Assembly Member Alex Wilson questioned the prioritisation of EVs over frontline policing, citing polling data on public concerns. Assembly Member Susan Hall expressed strong reservations about the practicality and cost of EV adoption for response vehicles, particularly in the event of power outages, and questioned the contingency planning. Assembly Member Léonie Cooper explored the financial implications and the potential for cost savings, while Assembly Member Zoë Garbett inquired about the use of bikes and e-bikes and the progress of the EV transition business case.

Metropolitan Police Service Vetting Standards and Operation Jorica

Operation Jorica, an investigation into vetting failures within the MPS, was a significant focus. Deputy Mayor Comer-Schwartz acknowledged serious failings, including not carrying out vetting checks and inappropriately overturning vetting decisions, but stated that these practices have ceased and the MPS now has some of the highest vetting standards in the country, leading to the removal of over 1,500 officers deemed unfit to serve. Assembly Member Susan Hall highlighted historical vetting issues predating the Police Uplift Programme and questioned MOPAC's oversight. She also raised concerns about the removal of the STRIDE policy, which aimed to boost diversity, and asked for clarification on the number of officers currently without up-to-date vetting. Assembly Member Lord Bailey questioned the potential conflict of interest for London Policing Board (LPB) members who provide advice on strategies they may later be asked to scrutinise. The Deputy Mayor assured the Committee that the LPB's role is advisory and distinct from the PCC's scrutiny function.

Metropolitan Police Service Estate Strategy and Disposals

The Committee discussed the MPS's draft Estate Strategy, which outlines plans for the disposal of unused police buildings. Assembly Member Gareth Roberts questioned the timing of the strategy's publication and the process of consultation, particularly regarding the disposal of residential properties. Deputy Mayor Comer-Schwartz assured the Committee that MOPAC would liaise with local boroughs regarding the disposal of former police stations and that EqIAs would be carried out. Assembly Member Emma Best expressed concern about the potential for disposals to distance policing from communities and questioned the fairness of unequal access to police front counters across London. Assembly Member Léonie Cooper sought assurances on MOPAC's commitment to keeping the Committee informed of progress on disposals and the implementation of the strategy.

Policing of Protests Outside Miznon Restaurant

The Committee discussed the policing of a protest outside the Miznon restaurant on 9 January 2026. Deputy Mayor Comer-Schwartz stated that while the right to protest is important, it must be balanced with the need to prevent intimidation and harassment. She noted that one arrest was made for incitement. Assembly Member Alex Wilson strongly condemned the protest as deliberate intimidation and harassment of the Jewish community, citing similar incidents at religious sites and questioning the effectiveness of police action. He highlighted concerns about the legal framework surrounding protest chants and called for action rather than words. The Deputy Mayor acknowledged the rise in hate crime and antisemitism, detailing MOPAC's work with the Jewish community through the Shared Endeavour Fund and the CST to promote preventative approaches and support places of worship.

Custody Oversight and Use of Force

The Committee examined MOPAC's oversight of data collection in custody suites, including the use of force. Deputy Mayor Comer-Schwartz acknowledged technical issues with the CONNECT system impacting data on detainee ethnicity and gender, and assured the Committee that these are being addressed. The role of Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs) was discussed, with a pilot scheme planned to allow them to review CCTV footage of use-of-force incidents. Concerns were raised about the adequacy of mental health support for detainees and the availability of appropriate adults, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Assembly Member Lord Bailey questioned the accessibility of custody facilities for disabled detainees and the process for assessing the need for appropriate adults. Assembly Member Alex Wilson inquired about lessons learned from the Charing Cross custody suite issues and the effectiveness of the ICV scheme.

Other Matters

The Committee also noted the ongoing actions arising from previous meetings and the Committee's work programme, which includes a visit to Mulberry Academy Shoreditch. The next meeting was scheduled for 11 February 2026.