London police are enhancing security measures for the upcoming Notting Hill Carnival, bracing for potential violence with an increased number of officers, stewards, and advanced surveillance technology. The event, Europe's largest street carnival, will see 7,000 Metropolitan Police officers and staff on duty, supported by over 3,000 stewards – double the usual number.
These measures come after last year's record number of arrests, totaling 528, and ahead of the carnival's 60th anniversary. Police will utilize live facial recognition cameras, knife arches, and weapon sweeps in known gang areas. Operations involving number plate checks are also underway to identify wanted offenders. Additionally, there are pre-event arrests targeting gang members and individuals suspected of Violence Against Women and Girls (Vawg) offenses, with bail conditions and prevention orders in place for high-risk attendees, including domestic abusers and sex offenders.
Targeted checks on hotels and short-stay accommodations are also being conducted to combat child exploitation and county lines activities. The Metropolitan Police reported that while last year saw a reduction in serious violence compared to previous years, with two stabbings that did not result in serious injury, the cost of policing the event was approximately £15 million. The force anticipates this year's cost may be lower but still represents a significant financial commitment amidst budget challenges.
In March, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced an additional £4.66 million grant for the carnival, which organizers stated was essential for safety and could not have gone ahead without it. This funding has enabled an increase in security guards, crowd safety experts, and improved communication infrastructure for safety teams. A significant change this year is the transfer of crowd control responsibilities from the Metropolitan Police to the event organizers, Notting Hill Carnival Limited (NHCL), allowing officers to focus more on core policing duties. NHCL has also taken over traffic management, including hostile vehicle mitigation.
Despite these measures, concerns about security persist. Susan Hall, leader of the Conservative group at the London Assembly, has expressed worries, stating that taxpayers are funding safety measures without clear security targets. She called for the Mayor to address the risks to prevent further injuries or fatalities.
The Metropolitan Police Federation, representing 30,000 officers, has also highlighted concerns about officer welfare, noting that officers are already stretched thin. Paula Dodds, chair of the federation, stated that officer safety and welfare must be paramount, especially given that 349 Metropolitan Police officers have been injured or assaulted at the carnival in the past four years.
Organizers emphasized that security planning is a year-round process involving close collaboration with emergency services, local councils, and City Hall. They highlighted that the increased funding has significantly boosted operational capabilities, including a substantial rise in trained stewards and crowd safety managers. A Crowd Management Cell, combining event management and policing expertise, will be in operation to monitor crowd density and direct interventions. The Met Police acknowledged the additional funding for NHCL and its impact on stewarding and crowd management, noting it allows police to focus more on crime prevention and public protection. However, they also reiterated that the funding does not cover policing costs, which remain substantial.
Dr. Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London's Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, noted the carnival's cultural and economic significance, estimating it boosts the economy by nearly £400 million annually. She added that an independent review identified the need for improved safety and security measures to accommodate the event's growth.