Metropolitan Police officers are being encouraged to take selfies with fans at large events to combat violence against women and girls. Britain's biggest police force has pledged to stamp out predatory behaviour by increasing its presence at concerts and sports matches.
During a patrol of London's Wembley Stadium, officers told reporters they are advised to “have fun” with concertgoers and even agree to pose for photos. Inspector Shaz Bassi, leading the operation, said: “A lot of these people might not have seen police officers or had an opportunity to engage with officers ever, so it’s about making the first impression they have as positive as possible.”
“Most people like to see police because they feel safe. So officers use that and take it as an opportunity to build trust and confidence. About 99% of people are there to have a good time and they’re really engaging, they’re really lovely and they like the police,” Bassi added.
More than 100 officers patrolled Wembley for the Summertime Ball, but larger events can see up to six times more deployed. This initiative is part of a push to rebuild public trust after the abduction and murder of Sarah Everard by Met officer Wayne Couzens, and the rape of 14 women by diplomatic protection officer David Carrick.
The Met said figures showed its approach was having a positive impact. Reports of violence against women and girls were up two-thirds on last year, from 9,236 to 15,834. Domestic abuse reports rose 82%, from 6,596 to 11,987, while rape reports increased by 116%, from 740 to 1,599.
Claire Argyle, who works for the Met's central Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) team, said: “We have been an actual team for five years now and it’s grown. A lot of the initiatives have spread and it’s absolutely worked. We have seen absolute progress in decreasing violence against women and girls.”
“You usually get a good reaction from the crowds who are here to enjoy things. We’ve had really good feedback from surveys that get sent out for various kinds of events like this and football too. They love seeing officers out on patrol, keeping them safe,” Argyle added.
Some 23,000 Met officers and staff have received bespoke VAWG training, and the force has strengthened its specialist victim support services.
