The Metropolitan Police has launched a new platform called Met Engage, aimed at helping residents in Harrow – and across London – stay better connected to their local policing teams.
The service, which allows people to receive updates directly from neighbourhood officers, comes after the closure of the OWL (Online Watch Link) network last year. OWL had previously been used across many boroughs, including Harrow, to share information about crime and community safety. Its closure left a gap in how local policing teams communicated with the public, so the launch of Met Engage is likely to be welcomed by residents.
The platform will be used to send out tailored emails with crime prevention tips, updates on local incidents and investigations, and news about police operations and community meetings.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “Every day, officers and staff across the Met are out tackling the crimes that really affect people – things like shoplifting, phone theft and burglary. Their crime-fighting is making a difference and we’re seeing large reductions in these types of offences in London.
Met Engage. Image: Met Police
“But real progress means more than just numbers going in the right direction – it means working with communities, not just policing them.
“Met Engage is about having a two-way conversation. It’s a way for people to stay informed with precise local updates, to tell us what is most important to them and to challenge misinformation. It’s about shaping policing together and I would encourage everyone to sign-up.”
Residents who sign up will be asked to complete a short survey to help tailor the alerts they receive based on their location and the type of information they’re most interested in.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, added: “I am pleased to see the launch of Met Engage. Both the Mayor and I have been clear that neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of safer communities. By providing an easy way for Londoners to stay in touch with their local neighbourhood police teams, the Met are able to better respond to the needs of our communities.”
“Communication and partnership with communities is essential to the Met’s efforts to cut crime and increase public confidence. I am proud to say that City Hall has part funded Met Engage to bolster neighbourhood policing and drive down crime across the capital, building a safer London for everyone.
“Met Engage is a key part of the Met’s community-first approach, by providing a platform for people to raise concerns, while also being kept updated on the issues that matter most in their local area.”
The Met says that under its new neighbourhood policing model, every borough now has an additional 500 staff – including PCSOs and senior officers – focused on working more closely with the community to address issues like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.
Met Engage is being delivered in partnership with VISAV Limited, the same company behind similar platforms used by other forces around the country.
While the platform is intended for engagement and updates, it is not a tool for reporting crime. Residents are still encouraged to report incidents through the Met Police website, by calling 101, or by dialling 999 in an emergency.
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