The Metropolitan Police's recent decision to disband the Royal Parks Police has ignited concerns over the safety of Richmond's parks. As part of efforts to address a budget deficit of £260 million, the Met is cutting approximately 1,700 officers and specialist units. Richmond Council has criticized the move, emphasizing that dedicated police presence is crucial for maintaining safety and community trust in these vital green spaces, which are frequented daily by thousands. The council vows to advocate for necessary resources to protect these parks and address residents' safety concerns.
This is a huge mistake. At a time when residents are already worried about how visible and available police are, scrapping this specialist team will do nothing to reassure them. Our parks aren't just pretty green spaces — they're important habitats and community lifelines.
The Royal Parks Police provide a vital service, and losing them places extra pressure on teams who are already working flat out. It risks leaving our parks unprotected and our residents feeling even more vulnerable.
Cuts like this undermine confidence in policing. Our parks are essential for residents' wellbeing — mental and physical — and they must remain safe.
Thousands of people use them every day. They need officers who understand these spaces and can act quickly when something happens.
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