Key policing pledges risk failure without urgent investment, the head of the Metropolitan Police has warned. Sir Mark Rowley issued the warning just weeks before the government’s critical spending review.
Writing with five other chief constables, Sir Mark pointed to a decade of financial strain. He said police forces face rising demand, broken infrastructure, and outdated systems. These issues, he argued, threaten the success of government promises on crime and public safety.
The group described the situation as unsustainable. They said forces are overstretched and burdened by ageing facilities and debt. Officers must respond to complex social issues, like last summer’s riots and emergency prisoner releases, with limited resources.
Sir Mark stressed that without more funding, key policing pledges such as restoring neighbourhood patrols or reducing knife crime will collapse. The government, he said, must act now to support officers on the ground.
The upcoming spending review, due on 11 June, is vital for determining future police funding. Chancellor Rachel Reeves will outline financial plans for services up to 2029. The review sets overall budgets, but detailed allocations happen annually in Parliament.
Sir Mark warned that failing to increase investment would entrench current problems for another three years. He called it a “once in a generation” chance to modernise British policing. The review, he said, must be bold and transformative.
Meanwhile, the Home Office claimed it is supporting officers. Officials said police funding will reach £17.6 billion this year, including £200 million for new patrols. They highlighted efforts to recruit 13,000 new officers, PCSOs, and volunteers by 2029.
The government pledged that 2,500 new neighbourhood officers and 400 PCSOs would join forces in the next year. However, earlier this year, some forces planned staff cuts due to financial pressures. Lincolnshire and Essex Police considered axing roles but reversed the decision after emergency funds were released.
Still, concerns remain. Sir Mark and his fellow chiefs believe only substantial investment can deliver real change. Without it, key policing pledges may remain unfulfilled and communities could face higher risks.
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