FEARS FOR FUTURE OF ROYAL PARKS POLICE
The MP for Richmond Park Sarah Olney says she has been told the Metropolitan Police is considering cutting funding for the park police which patrol Bushy and Richmond Parks.
The Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has recently warned that massive cuts will be required because of the lack of resource.
In her newsletter to residents, the MP stressed that no decision has been made yet.
But she has asked residents to share their views on whether or not Richmond Park Police should be disbanded – the survey is available here.
In her latest newsletter she writes:
“Last week, I put out a survey seeking the constituencies preliminary views on possible cuts to the Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (also known as the Parks Police).
“This division employs over 80 specialist officers across London who form the backbone of policing efforts in the 8 Royal Parks and numerous smaller gardens and cemeteries administered by the charity across London.
“Over the past week, more than 200 residents have responded to this survey sharing their personal stories and views on the role of the Parks Police.
”Over 98% of those who responded stated they would oppose any cuts to the unit, highlighting positive personal experiences, the professionalism of officers, and the safety they feel in otherwise deserted areas knowing an officer is nearby and ready to respond.
“I have written to Sir Mark Rowley urging him to consider the importance of this unit and consider the views of our community before making any decisions. You can read the text of this letter here and respond to my survey here.
Her letter says:
Sir Mark Rowley QPM,
c/o Government Affairs,
Metropolitan Police,
Victoria Embankment,
London,
SW1A 2JL
11 December 2024
Dear Mark,
Re: Possible cuts to the Parks Police
Last week a ranger at Richmond Park wrote to me to highlight that she had heard the Royal
Parks Operational Command Unit was facing the prospect of huge cuts and could possibly be
disbanded as part of the Metropolitan Police’s drive to make efficiencies.
I would urge you not to make this cut hastily. When I heard it could be made I asked my
constituents if they would give me their thoughts on the unit. Over 200 local people have
responded since the 6th of December and more responses come in every day.
These responses highlight everything from the Park’s Police role as a proactive policing force
reassuring park users in otherwise quiet areas, their breadth of knowledge of the Park’s
conservation rules, and professionalism when responding to serious and violent crime.
Also raised is the fact that the Park’s Police intimate knowledge of Richmond Park allows them to identify where an incident is taking place and respond rapidly in a way flying squadrons cannot.
The knowledge that these specialist officers possess would be very difficult for a
general neighbourhood safety officer to acquire and their removal from the parks could
severely hamper policing efforts in the area.
This is the response from one community served by a single Royal Park.
Across London there are dozens of other constituencies served by London’s 8 Royal Parks and the smaller
cemeteries and gardens policed by the RPOCU. I do not believe Richmond Park will be alone
in representing the depth of support residents have for the unit. A positive feeling towards
policing that is somewhat lacking in Londoner’s feelings towards the rest of the service.
I have included a few extracts from this survey below, which I hope will highlight the depth
of local support for this often overlooked but essential unit. I would also be happy to provide
every response I have received to you should you feel it will help the force make their
decision.
“I am a retired Met police officer who has had close workings (including specific incidents)
with police officers from Richmond Park. Whilst BCU and specialist officers already provide
emergency support to the parks, only the dedicated officers know and understand the bylaws,
regulations and local conditions that address serious issues within the park. Such matters
would be much more time consuming for a generalist officer and would not make effective use of the many Richmond Park volunteers and staff who currently work so closely with the police”
“Just this week the dedicated police: 1) found a missing man who suffers from dementia who
had fallen into brambles very disorientated, and 2) dealt with a serious dog chase resulting in
a buck having to be put down. Their extensive knowledge of the park, its guidelines and
wildlife is invaluable especially with the 6-8million visitors per annum to the park. I have
been Neighbourhood Watch coordinator for over 20 years, so I know how stretched the local
police are; I really do not think they would be able to prioritise park needs over “other local”
needs.”
“I have had invaluable support from that team when I was involved in a cycling collision with
a vehicle. They helped to maintain order until other emergency services arrived. More
generally I have noticed occasional antisocial behaviour in the park and in my view it adds
an important level of safety for park users having the Park’s unit. I have seen many examples
of this affecting other areas that were previously considered safe and it would be terrible to
lose the park as a safe space for all.”
“The depth of experience and understanding of the unit is vital to its success and to the
confidence the Park community has in its policing.”
“Members of the public or volunteer rangers cannot and should not be expected to enforce
against illegal and dangerous behaviour by potentially violent individuals; dedicated police
presence is needed as a backup and effective resort. The rise in use of the park and the ever
present challenge of traffic and illegal driving and parking through the Park generates huge
anger and conflict between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Again, dedicate force that is able
to be present is critical as a deterrent and so that Park laws are seen to be enforced. The
Park’s force should be retained.”
“Gangs were also found to prey on cyclists and who knows what other opportunity they might
find. Being able to rely on police presence (they are very easy to reach by text) is very
reassuring.”
“They have over the years been derided and ridiculed for not being ‘real police,’ but in my
experience they have been totally professional, despite an ever decreasing number of officers
they still manage to have a positive presence in our park and all the Royal parks.”
“I think a lot of their success is in their visible presence, they have deterred a lot of potential
crime just by being seen and this should not be overlooked… the lack of crime is in no small
part due to them being around, without them I have no doubt things would quickly
deteriorate.”
”Knowing how to safely navigate the parks with free-roaming deer and other wildlife, and
how to approach the public safely around 400lb stags when visitors are too close, all these
things are really important to keep our parks and the public safe.”
“Their presence and response is essential to keeping our park and area safe and accessible to
all including young, old and those with special needs. My son is Aspergers and we get DLA.
The park has been an essential part of our lives for access to a safe space in nature for
exercise and relaxation, away from the anxieties of life.”
“I visit Richmond park a lot. Mainly at night. It’s my little haven. Since the police stopped
patrolling the park at night the things I have seen is shocking. I have seen kids smashing a
tree with a chair. Glass bottles being thrown (I had to clear it up). Fireworks being let of. All
because the police cannot be bothered with the Park because it saves a few pounds. Are we
really on a race to the bottom? Is this really going to be allowed to happen? Shame on who
would be even considering this. We should be protecting our increasingly declining natural
wonders. Parks police needs bolstering, not disbanding”
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Olney MP
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