Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has announced a £3 million annual fund to improve the Met Police’s treatment of crime victims. One-third of London’s victims of crime were dissatisfied with the service they received from the Met, according to a report. The funds will be used to fund a free phone line for victims and facilitate their access to vital case information. Additionally, it will increase the number of personnel responsible for caring for victims and connecting them with support services.
This follows the mayor’s January proposal for a £14.2 million investment to raise standards, enhance performance, and rebuild public confidence in the police force. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley will use the funds to improve the Command and Control Centre, which handles emergency calls and emails.
On Friday at the Victims’ Summit in London, Mr. Khan is expected to urge the government to deliver a Victims Bill to ensure that victims’ rights are enforceable. He stated, “Crime destroys lives; therefore, victims must be treated with the utmost compassion, sensitivity, and respect.”
Mr. Khan added, “Successful prosecution of cases frequently depends on victim testimony, so we must do much more to instill confidence in victims.”
Commissioner for Victims Claire Waxman applauded the investment, stating that it would “substantially assist” in enhancing the force’s victim services. Sir Mark also addressed the funding, stating, “We are committed to listening to victims’ experiences and using this feedback to implement practical measures that will make a significant difference for victims.”
Today, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced a £3 million annual fund to improve the Met Police’s treatment of crime victims. This follows reports that one-third of London’s crime victims were dissatisfied with the service they received from the Met. The funds will be used to fund a free phone line for victims and make it easier for them to access key information about their case, as well as to ensure that sufficient personnel are available to provide care and direct victims to support services.
In addition, Mr. Khan proposed in January an investment of $14,2 million to raise standards, improve performance, and rebuild confidence in the police force. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley will use this to improve the Command and Control Centre, which handles emergency calls and emails.
Friday at the London Victims’ Summit, Mr. Khan reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that victims are treated with compassion, sensitivity, and respect. He stated, “Successful prosecution of cases often depends on victim testimony, so we must do much more to instill confidence in victims.”
Commissioner for Victims Claire Waxman applauded the investment, stating that it would “substantially assist” in enhancing the force’s victim services. In the meantime, Sir Mark discussed how committed the force is to listening to the experiences of victims and implementing changes based on this feedback.
On Friday, the mayor will announce the funding in a speech at the Victims’ Summit in London, which brings together victims of crime, community advocates, and senior figures in criminal justice. He will also urge the government to pass a Victims Bill to ensure that victims’ rights are enforceable.
