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拢5 million funding boost for Project Servator

The government has announced 拢5 million to increase deployments under Project Servator, a national policing tactic which disrupts criminal activity and protects communities through highly visible and unpredictable deployments.

The specialist officers are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals who are preparing to commit serious crimes, including acts of terrorism.

Additional specialist officers will be put on the streets in communities across the country, particularly Jewish and other faith communities.

Funding will be initially focused on supporting communities in London and Manchester, with the Metropolitan Police Service and Greater Manchester Police expected to step up patrols to stop potential terrorist threats and reconnaissance.

It comes during a period of increased concern for some communities across the country as both antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate crime have reached record highs.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: "Project Servator has a proven track record of stopping criminals and terrorists through highly visible, unpredictable deployments that vary in time and location, deterring those planning harm and reassuring the public.

"This new funding will back the police with the resources they need to step up patrols, protect communities, and keep people safe in the places where they live, work and worship.

The uplift in Servator deployments follows the arson attack on the Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, the charging of individuals under the National Security Act for alleged surveillance of Jewish sites, the terrorist attack at Heaton Park synagogue and arson attack at Peacehaven mosque last year.

Project Servator officers disrupt crime through highly visible and unpredictable deployments, consisting of uniformed and plain clothes officers, as well as specialist units. Previous deployments have led to arrests, seizures of drugs and weapons, and the collection of critical intelligence to support counter-terrorism investigations.

Officers also engage with the public and businesses to further heighten awareness, encouraging everyone to stay alert and act swiftly on anything unusual.