In a significant move to bolster public access to police services, the Metropolitan Police has established two permanent 24-hour public counters in central London locations. The round-the-clock facilities have opened at Westminster Police Station and Walworth Road Station, marking a departure from standard operating hours that typically see front desks closed overnight.
A Response to Growing Security Concerns
The initiative comes amid mounting pressure on Mayor Sadiq Khan's administration to address crime rates and improve police visibility across the capital. While the Mayor's office has championed the move as enhancing public safety, critics argue it represents a minimal improvement given the closure of nearly 125 police front counters since 2013.
Strategic Locations for Maximum Impact
The chosen locations serve strategically important areas:
- Westminster Station: Situated in the heart of government and tourist areas, providing security coverage for high-profile locations
- Walworth Road Station: Serving south London communities with enhanced accessibility
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist emphasised that these counters would provide "a visible and accessible front door to the public" regardless of the hour, particularly benefiting night-time economy workers and vulnerable individuals.
Political Reactions and Public Response
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Susan Hall, the Conservative mayoral candidate, described the move as "too little, too late," highlighting the dramatic reduction in police accessibility over the past decade. Meanwhile, City Hall maintains this forms part of a broader strategy to rebuild public confidence in policing.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that specialist officers will staff these counters, equipped to handle everything from routine inquiries to emergency reports, though they stressed that emergency situations should still be directed through the 999 system.
