Disbanding of the Violent Crime Taskforce

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.033841

I note you seek access to the following information:

It has been heavily debated over Twitter about the disbanding of the Violent Crime Taskforce.

I would like to request the following information; Is the Violent Crime Taskforce getting disbanded? if so when is it getting disbanded?

What will it be replaced with?

Where are officers from VCTF being moved to?

What is going to happen to the MOPAC funding provided to the Violent Crime Taskforce.

Decision

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

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

The majority of Violent Crime Task Force resources have been redistributed to Basic Crime Units (BCUs), to deliver the newly designed local BCU Proactive Teams. In line with the New Met for London plan, we have adopted a “communities first” approach, by creating more capacity and capability to deliver against local crime priorities. The new Proactive Teams will be complemented by a more bespoke Tasking model to ensure resources and tactics align to the local crime profile.

Some VCTF asset will move into Met Ops to create a specialist unit targeting a variety of crime types that impact on London’s communities, this team will work alongside local units, as well as other specialist units to enhance their response and effectiveness.

Some further asset will be utilised to create a central Tasking and Co-ordination function under Met Ops to be a critical part of the Met’s focus on delivering for London and Precision Policing.

The VCTF does not have specific MOPAC funding, but internal budget realignments will be completed with the movement of staff and assets. Two BCUs have received some VCTF asset already on 4 December, the remainder will be transacted in mid-January 2024.