Royal Parks Police at risk as Met Police announce scaleback of staff

Images: Royal Parks Police sign in Richmond Park; (via Royal Parks UK)

MP for Richmond Park seeks public’s views

Sarah Olney, MP for Richmond Park, has launched a survey about the future of the Royal Parks Police.

The police unit, which the Liberal Democrat MP said is a “valued and essential service” which serves Richmond and Bushy Parks, is at risk of budget cuts by the Met Police.

She is asking residents to submit their opinions to the survey but has stressed that no decisions have been made yet.

Image: Sarah Olney MP

In a post shared on her website, the MP said:

“Earlier this week, I was informed that the Metropolitan Police Service may be considering cutting funding for the Parks Police division based in Richmond Park.

“While all the details of this potential change are not readily available, and it is important to stress that no decisions have been made, I know many residents will share my view that the Parks Police unit is a valued and essential service.

‘‘The officers who patrol Richmond and Bushy Park know the area’s terrain, the potential issues around wildlife, and how best to protect this beautiful area of our community.

“Furthermore, with our community police force already stretched to its limit, I do not see how officers serving the surrounding areas can be expected to add 2500 acres of parkland to their patrol routes.’

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has this week warned that as many as 2,300 officers may have to be taken off the capital’s streets due to a £450 million funding gap.

READ ALSO: Cuts to Police budget could mean losing 2,300 officers says Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley

The deficit, which represents over 10% of the force’s budget for policing London, is threatening to have a ‘seriously detrimental impact’ on the Met’s ability to fight crime, he said.

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