Functions of Met Operations 8 unit

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.024391

I note you seek access to the following information:

Can you inform me on the following queries:
What is the MO8s 'Spider Unit'?
What and Who do the 'Spider Unit' actually do compared to bog standard RTPC?

What is the MO8s 'Raptor' or 'Roads Crime Team'?
What and Who do the Roads Crime Team Target on the Roads? How does this differ to normal RTPC and Spider?

What is the MO8s 'Scorpion'?
What and Who do the Scorpion Teams Target on the Roads? How does this differ to normal RTPC and Spider?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

What is the MO8s 'Spider Unit'?
What and Who do the 'Spider Unit' actually do compared to bog standard RTPC?

The Spider teams patrol the streets of London utilising ANPR technology to target high harm offenders.

What is the MO8s 'Raptor' or 'Roads Crime Team'?
What and Who do the Roads Crime Team Target on the Roads?
How does this differ to normal RTPC and Spider?

The Road Crime Team are team of proactive police officers that are part of the Roads and Transport Policing Command (MO8).

Raptor Units are marked/unmarked pursuit capable cars or marked motorcycles that are staffed by officers from The Road Crime Team to support Vision Zero and deal with risks presented by most dangerous drivers. They are deployed across London to target specific locations, issues or individuals. RTPC Road Policing Teams (commonly known as Traffic Units) have responsibility for enforcement of road safety legislation, response to incidents on strategic road network and motorways, the initial investigation of life changing and fatal road traffic collisions. Spider Units are not part of RTPC.

What is the MO8s 'Scorpion'?
What and Who do the Scorpion Teams Target on the Roads?
How does this differ to normal RTPC and Spider?

The Scorpions are a team of officers specifically trained to target powered two wheeler offenders. The officers are all advanced drivers, TPAC trained and Solo riders and engage in hotspot patrols. Although the scorpion teams will default to the BCU they are posted to, they can be deployed anywhere in the Met if required. The team also engage with the motorcycle community to promote Met Campaigns such as “Lock, Chain & Cover”. The team are 100% focussed on robbery and the others are likely to have an overall crime focus.