“Under Pressure: How Officers Keep Havering Safe Despite Cuts”.

Residents across Havering have voiced frustration at what they perceive as a lack of police response, with complaints of delayed or absent patrols. Phrases such as “no police” or “police do not come” have become common, with some imagining officers idly queuing in Greggs for sausage rolls rather than responding to 999 calls. The reality, however, is very different.

Recent events in Elm Park have highlighted the challenges faced by the police and the increased focus on targeted patrols. Due to significant reductions in officer numbers over recent years, the borough now operates what can be described as a strategic deployment system. Officers are concentrated in key hotspots to address pressing issues, leaving other areas with less visible coverage. This is not a matter of choice but of necessity, reflecting the extremely limited resources available to the force.

The fundamental issue is the low number of officers relative to the high volume and complexity of the work they are required to undertake. The borough does not have an unlimited supply of officers, nor can additional experienced personnel be deployed on demand. When officers are present in large numbers on the streets, the impact is noticeable, but maintaining such coverage consistently is not possible under current staffing levels.

Police officers have repeatedly warned that cuts to their numbers would have a detrimental impact on community safety, and this prediction has now become reality. Officers are tasked with responding to an overwhelming number of calls, often under conditions of high stress and limited support. Persistent criticism from councillors and politicians should not be aimed at the officers themselves, but rather at those holding the purse strings. Now may be the time for those in authority to participate in a ridealong, or spend a day on the streets with officers, to see firsthand the immense pressure and challenges that the job has become due to financial constraints.

Currently, officers must be redeployed across the borough to cover critical hotspots, a strategy designed to maximise the impact of limited resources. Despite these efforts, complaints continue to mount. Being a police officer in such circumstances is among the most demanding and demoralising roles in public service. Officers face endless criticism, a lack of recognition, and limited opportunities to rest or recharge. Many officers rarely have the chance to take breaks, and meals are often left uneaten or hurried, yet they continue to respond to emergencies without hesitation.

Havering is fortunate to have a number of exceptionally dedicated officers who consistently go above and beyond to keep residents safe. The work of police officers often goes unnoticed, including preventive measures such as collaborative initiatives with organisations like Youth Unity, which aim to support and protect young people in areas such as Harold Hill. Policing is sometimes used as a political tool, but few politicians provide the funding or support necessary for officers to perform effectively.

Despite the pressures and constant scrutiny, officers continue to work tirelessly, responding to calls, covering the borough strategically, and putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the community. They are the most demoralised yet the most resilient members of our community, running toward danger when others are running away, ensuring that Havering remains as safe as possible under extremely challenging circumstances.

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