Violent crime in London has been on the rise for an extended period of time; the Metropolitan Police decided to employ an intelligence-led stop-and-search strategy.
This latest strategy is expected to focus on an evidence-based approach, like creating policing hotspots that will reduce violent crime and prevent anti-social behavior in certain areas.
London cracks down on violent crime
Since the Metropolitan Police designated one of these areas as a hotspot, a plan will be devised as a means of dealing with the issue on a local level, with the police deploying drug dogs, community events, and a stop-and-search strategy.
Mayor of London @SadiqKhan visited an estate in Westminster to see first-hand how Metropolitan Police officers are working with communities to tackle violence and reduce gang activity as part of Operation Nightingale. pic.twitter.com/MnkA8Grtj3
— London Live (@LondonLive) April 14, 2023
The city’s mayor defended the use of the strategy. He is fending off the woke critics claiming it’ll disproportionally target blacks and minorities in the city, with Khan explaining that it’s an integral part of the police’s armory.
Data-driven policing is one of the ways in which the Met and City Hall are working together to make communities safer. Targeted police work in hotspots identified by Operation Nightingale has resulted in 1040 arrests and the seizure of 51 knives, 11 firearms & 40 other weapons.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) April 14, 2023
“Disproportional targeting” of minority groups raises concerns
Government statistics do show some signs of stop and search potentially being used to target black and minority communities and individuals; although this amounts to nothing more than speculation.
At the end of the day, the police have to do their job; the fact that there are restrictions on when they’re allowed to use this “controversial” strategy is alarming, to say the least.
The woke mob ingrained itself so deeply into every aspect of our lives.
We’ve reached a point where police aren’t allowed to do their jobs because it could impact a certain demographic “disproportionally,” even though there’s little to no evidence of that happening.
Dr. Alison Heydari, Frontline Policing Commander of the Metropolitan Police explains how they are using Operation Nightingale to tackle violent crime. pic.twitter.com/wMn9kKVQBN
— London Live (@LondonLive) April 14, 2023
With the help of Operation Nightingale, local law enforcement will gather intelligence on the area, which will help them understand crime in the area better and deploy better anti-crime strategies.
It remains to be seen whether or not these new measures ensure that London is a safer, better place for people.
