Stop and Search Has Fallen, Officers Are Leaving — Who’s Protecting Our Streets?

2nd April 20262nd April 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Defunding, Officers, Police min read

Across the country, many vital sections of policing are slowly being reduced or, even worse, completely removed. From police horses, dogs, and even firearms units, sections are being scaled back due to budget cuts. Ironically, several years ago there were protests across London calling for the defunding of police. It seems their wish has come back. But the question to ask now is just who replaces these officers and units? Who responds when the public needs help? They called for the defunding —and what happens next?

We saw appalling recent lawless scenes in parts of south London when youths stormed shops, stealing and causing anti-social behaviour. Media footage showed a handful of officers doing their very best to stop a tsunami of lawlessness. Yet again, last night saw scenes of youths openly “gassed up,” gathering in huge numbers on the streets, as the commentator happily narrated. These events highlight the scale of concern on our streets. Officers turn up and do their very best against all odds. Residents demand action, but what they can do is now very limited.

Stop and search, a key and vital tool for officers, when done correctly, has shown just how important it is on our streets. Yet the numbers tell a worrying story. In the year ending March 2025, there were 528,582 stop and searches across England and Wales, down from 536,217 the year before. Compared with its peak in 2009, when there were nearly 1.52 million stop and searches, the drop is staggering, more than 65 percent lower. This is a tool that has been proven to prevent crime and keep communities safe, yet officers are understandably cautious, having seen colleagues placed in situations they should never have been in.

The pressure on officers is immense. Anti-social behaviour, even in areas as quiet as Hornchurch, is now causing issues for residents. Many officers have faced the reality that the job they once dreamed of, a job to make a real difference, is now failing to support them. Over the last two years alone, roughly 17,875 officers have left the service. Of these, over 9,000 left in the year ending March 2024 and nearly 8,800 in the year ending March 2025, with voluntary resignations accounting for more than half of all departures. Many were relatively new recruits, officers with less than five years’ service, leaving because they saw no support and felt undervalued.

This is happening at a time when London’s population is increasing. Over the past five years, the capital has grown by around 140,000 to 150,000 people, now reaching an estimated 9.09 million residents. Officers are stretched like elastic, ready to snap at any minute. They demanded to defund the police, and yet look at our streets now.

There are still some incredibly committed officers out across our communities who, despite all the challenges, go above and beyond to protect residents. They are the ones facing enormous odds every day, dealing with anti-social behaviour, violent crime, and emergencies, often without the backup or resources they need. Their dedication cannot be overstated.

So next time you ask yourself where the coppers on our streets are, do not point the finger at them. Ask yourself why there aren’t more of them, why vital units like firearms teams, dog units, and mounted police are being reduced, and why key powers like stop and search are being used less. These officers are doing the job we all rely on — yet their numbers are shrinking while demand on our streets is rising. We owe them support, not criticism, because without them, who will keep our communities safe?

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