The Police and Crime Committee met on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss several key issues, including the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) procurement of Palantir's AI technology, diversity and inclusion within the MPS, and strategies to combat shoplifting. The committee also addressed the MPS's digital upgrade and cybersecurity plans, as well as the working culture within the MPS command and control centres.

Palantir Procurement Process

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) procurement process for Palantir's AI technology. Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, stated that the MPS failed to follow the required procurement process by not submitting a procurement strategy and not demonstrating a full competitive process, which raised concerns about value for money. Despite reminders, these requirements were not met. Comer-Schwartz confirmed that the decision to halt the process was hers, made due to concerns about value for money and adherence to established procedures, not legal compliance. The Deputy Mayor also noted that the contract was at the higher end of the scale, with budgetary concerns for the second year.

The committee heard that the MPS had utilised the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) framework, but the issue lay in how the framework was instituted, not the framework itself. The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Mark Rowley QPM, had expressed disappointment with the decision, stating it would directly hit the delivery of policing to London's communities. Comer-Schwartz acknowledged this but maintained that proper oversight and demonstrated value for money were paramount when spending public money. Discussions also touched upon the potential impact on policing delivery and the need for alternative savings, with the Deputy Mayor stating that MOPAC had not yet been provided with detailed information on these impacts.

The committee explored the timeline of the procurement, with the Deputy Mayor confirming it started this year (2026). Concerns were raised about why the process was not stopped earlier, given that the engagement of only one provider was a red line for MOPAC. Comer-Schwartz clarified that while one provider was fully engaged, the CCS framework itself had multiple providers. She also noted that this was the first time such a high level of action had been taken regarding an MPS contract. The potential loss of 500 to 700 roles within the MPS as a consequence of this decision was discussed, with figures varying between 500 and 750.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the MPS

The committee discussed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the MPS, particularly in light of the tragic death of Henry Nowak. Deputy Mayor Kaya Comer-Schwartz expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the national impact of such incidents, noting ongoing discussions with equivalents across the country and awaiting recommendations from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). MOPAC's assessment of the impact on public confidence in policing highlighted existing lower trust among Black and mixed-race Londoners and the LGBTQ+ community.

The concept of two-tier policing was debated, with Comer-Schwartz deeming the term unhelpful and stressing the importance of equal treatment without fear or favour. The discussion delved into the national police anti-racism commitment and the London Race Action Plan (LRAP), with concerns raised that the LRAP's focus on Black Londoners might exclude other ethnic groups. Comer-Schwartz referenced reports such as the Scarman, Macpherson, Casey, and Daniels reviews, acknowledging the need for continued work towards an inclusive and anti-racist MPS.

The committee also discussed the national anti-racism guidance, with Comer-Schwartz agreeing that it needed to be reviewed, but not that it had gone too far in the context of the MPS's work. The discussion also touched upon police practice regarding restraint, with the Deputy Mayor highlighting the importance of the IOPC investigation and MOPAC's oversight of the use of force.

Shoplifting and Retail Crime

The committee addressed the issue of shoplifting and retail crime, noting an increase in offences over the last three months, although a two per cent decrease was reported in the 12 months to May 2026. Kenny Bowie, Director of Strategy and MPS Oversight at MOPAC, attributed the increase to the cost-of-living crisis, organised criminality, and substance dependency, but also to improved reporting mechanisms making it easier for retailers to report crime.

The Deputy Mayor, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, highlighted progress towards the Mayor's Police and Crime Plan commitments to cut retail crime, including increased information sharing between retailers and the MPS, and investment in technology to facilitate evidence uploading. She also clarified previous legislation, stating that while prosecution for offences under £200 was not explicitly prohibited, guidance had led to a de facto decriminalisation, which has now been addressed by new legislation.

Concerns were raised about the optics of a delayed meeting with Marks & Spencer following recent incidents in Clapham, with Comer-Schwartz assuring the committee that it was a continued priority and that the Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth had already met with them. The committee discussed strategies to prevent large-scale organised aggression against shops and businesses, including operations like Retail and Zoridon, and the use of technology such as facial recognition. The effectiveness of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology in identifying prolific shoplifters was acknowledged, with a general agreement to support its wider rollout. The committee also discussed the impact of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 on prosecuting shoplifting and the current backlogs in the criminal justice system.

MPS Technology Contracts and Procurement

The committee examined the MPS's technology contracts and procurement, particularly concerning the Palantir pilot. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes QPM explained that the pilot involved data aggregation from existing datasets to enhance insight, rather than introducing new surveillance. He stated that strict conditions were applied in accordance with GDPR legislation, and that the technology had been tested for accuracy and fairness across different demographics. Jukes confirmed that the pilot cost just under £490,000 for an extended three-month period, but a comparison for discount was not available.

Concerns were raised about the reputational risk of contracting with Palantir, given its own issues, and the fact that the contract value (£490,000) narrowly missed the £500,000 threshold for mayoral involvement. Comer-Schwartz stated that MOPAC was comfortable with the current Scheme of Delegation.

The committee also discussed the MPS's digital upgrade and cybersecurity plans. The Deputy Mayor confirmed that the MPS had refreshed its Cyber Strategy for 2025-2030, which is an internal document not currently intended for public release due to security concerns. MOPAC provides oversight through its Executive Committee (ExCo) and the Directorate of Audit, Risk and Assurance (DARA). Recommendations from a GLA Oversight Committee report on cybersecurity were discussed, including requirements for supply chain partners to hold Cyber Essentials Plus certification and benchmarking of cybersecurity investment and pay.

Call Handler Work Culture

The committee addressed the working culture within the MPS command and control centres. Comer-Schwartz stated that MOPAC regularly oversees misconduct issues and has had specific conversations with the MPS about the call centre. A new programme has been established to improve culture, ensure colleagues feel safe and respected, and enhance professional standards. The Mayor has invested an additional £2.5 million into MetCC to improve culture and outcomes, leading to an improvement in response times for 999 calls. The MPS is also developing a new app for anonymous reporting and a Victim Support Team. The Deputy Commissioner committed to reviewing the results of a staff survey on call handlers and reporting back on planned actions.

Metropolitan Police Service Digital Upgrade and Cyber Security Plans

The committee discussed the MPS's digital upgrade and cybersecurity plans. Comer-Schwartz highlighted the pipeline of 20 digital capability upgrade notices, with two already approved through the Investment Advisory and Monitoring (IAM) meeting: Digital Forensics, Magnet Products and Services, and Open Source Intelligence. Concerns were raised about ensuring future procurement exercises avoid past issues, with assurances that value for money, savings, operational needs, and public value are routinely questioned. A dedicated working group is being established due to the pace of contract needs.

Regarding training for new technology, it was stated that this would be case-by-case, with specific training for tools like Microsoft Copilot. The MPS has asked the Met to develop an AI strategy with safeguards and checks, acknowledging the risk of AI hallucination. The committee also discussed the MPS's cyber security resilience, with Comer-Schwartz noting close work with the GLA Resilience Board and the MPS's refreshed Cyber Strategy 2025-2030. An internal audit by MOPAC's Directorate of Audit, Risk and Assurance (DARA) is underway. Recommendations from a GLA Oversight Committee report were discussed, including supply chain requirements and benchmarking of cybersecurity investment. The Deputy Mayor confirmed that the MPS does not intend to publish its Cyber Security Strategy for security reasons.

Live Facial Recognition (LFR) Technology

The committee discussed the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology. Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes QPM welcomed the High Court ruling validating its use, stating it helps safeguard London and has led to significant arrests. He confirmed that the MPS would continue to deploy the technology, subject to affordability, and is keen to explore static camera applications and officer-initiated LFR. The technology was used adjacent to the Unite the Kingdom protest, with 42 arrests made across two events, though none were directly related to the protest itself. Jukes explained that deployment decisions are made by Gold Commanders based on public safety and the potential to bring perpetrators to justice, acknowledging that this may lead to different outcomes in different situations. He also addressed concerns about potential misidentification, emphasizing the importance of human decision-makers and rigorous checks. The committee also discussed the potential for LFR to be used at protests, with Jukes stating it would be considered if operationally relevant and appropriate, but not routinely deployed at every protest.

Other Matters

The committee also briefly touched upon the recruitment and retention of Metropolitan Police Officers, with a delegation of authority given to the Chairman to agree any output from the rapporteurship on this issue. The committee also noted the action taken by the Chairman under delegated authority to agree a letter to the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime on online fraud.