Wandsworth Council is set to fund 25 new Metropolitan Police officers to patrol the borough's streets, with the scheme costing £3.1 million in its first year. The officers, including 22 constables and three sergeants, would be based at Wandsworth Town Hall and deployed to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, according to a report by council officers.
The council plans to enter into an agreement with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) for the officers. If formally approved, the team would focus on local issues that might not otherwise be prioritised, including anti-social behaviour, drugs, and other key concerns.
Cost and agreement details
The cost of the scheme is estimated at £3.1 million in its first year, with higher costs expected in future years. The agreement would run for at least one year, with an option to extend for another two years. The full cost, including equipment, transport, and the integrated enforcement team, would be £4.9 million in 2027/28.
According to the report, “Working alongside other key council services will allow us to maximise the benefits of this investment. Work is therefore underway to ensure that the team is co-located with council teams, and close to the CCTV control room, with their main base within the Wandsworth campus footprint.”
Integrated enforcement team
The report also outlines plans for a new integrated enforcement team combining police and council powers. This team would include a head of service, 22 enforcement officers, a data analyst, and technical support roles. The team would use intelligence, crime data, and resident feedback to target enforcement activity in hotspots and respond quicker to issues.
The council will review enforcement services across the borough, including powers, staffing, operating hours, case management, and fixed penalty levels. The report states, “The aim is to create a coherent, responsive model that can address multiple local issues at once while reducing the overall cost of enforcement currently spread across teams and functions.”
Decision timeline
Wandsworth's new Enforcement Committee will discuss the plans on Monday, October 5, before the Cabinet makes a final decision on October 12. If approved, the new police officers could begin to be deployed early next year.
