Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch Faces £3 Million Cuts
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed that significant budget reductions will lead to fewer police horses being deployed at football matches across London. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to address a substantial funding shortfall within the force.
Budget Reductions and Operational Changes
Last month, Scotland Yard announced plans to reduce the number of horses in its mounted branch from 100 to between 40 and 50. This move is expected to save approximately £3 million annually. The cuts are a direct response to a funding gap of £260 million that the Metropolitan Police is currently facing.
Assistant Commander Matt Twist explained to the London Assembly in February that the increase in protests since the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a chronic strain on resources. The need to fund overtime shifts for these events has contributed to the decision to scale back the mounted branch.
Prioritization of Public Order Incidents
Despite the reductions, the Metropolitan Police will retain the largest mounted branch in the United Kingdom. However, the reorganization will prioritize public order deployments over other duties, such as football matches. This shift in focus aims to allocate resources more effectively based on threat, harm, and risk assessments.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan emphasized that resources will now be deployed where they add the greatest operational value. He stated, "Resource will now be deployed according to threat, harm, and risk, focusing the capability where it adds the greatest operational value."
Continued Support for Ceremonial and Crime Duties
The mounted branch will continue to support significant state and ceremonial events, including Trooping the Colour. Additionally, the unit will maintain its involvement in other ceremonial duties and crime taskings. Public order deployments will remain a priority, albeit with a reduced presence at football matches.
As part of the redesign, trained officers who are not formally part of the mounted branch may undergo annual training to maintain their riding accreditation. This flexibility allows the force to utilize these officers during periods of high demand without requiring them to complete the Standard Equestrian Course again.
Neighbourhood Policing and Stable Hubs
To mitigate the impact of the cuts, neighbourhood police teams will provide a reassuring presence in areas where mounted patrols are reduced. The mounted branch will now operate from two main stable hubs located at New Scotland Yard and Hyde Park, alongside the Imber Court training facility in Surrey.
During the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee meeting, Assistant Commander Twist assured that no horses would be euthanized as part of the budget cuts. This commitment ensures the welfare of the animals remains a priority throughout the transition.
The Metropolitan Police's adjustments reflect broader challenges in balancing operational demands with financial constraints, highlighting the ongoing need for strategic resource allocation in law enforcement.
