Precision policing behind the Met’s approach to protecting women and girls

The Metropolitan Police‘s new initiative to protect girls and women is using precision policing, to place priority on protecting the public from harm and safeguarding the vulnerable.

The V100 initiative is a data-driven program which uses data analytics to identify and target the individuals who pose a threat, using existing police data from victim reports of crime. This system will enable the Met to prioritise police interventions to maximise safety to the community of London. 

The Met says it has been working to stop those responsible for causing harm to women and girls, with a total of 60 of the most harmful suspects arrested and 24 convicted since August 2023.

“Violence against women and girls is totally unacceptable and the Met is determined to stop predators and bring them to justice. We’re using data to identify the most predatory offenders in London who pose the greatest threat to women and girls.” 

Commander Ben Russell, V100 Lead, Metropolitan Police.

Commander Russell says the results show the Met’s approach is working in targeting the most dangerous suspects. He added he is proud of the progress the Met is making in using innovative, precise techniques to take dangerous criminals off the streets of London and will ensure the most harmful offenders will be brought to justice.

“We are the first police service to use this targeting method to tackle this issue, which highlights the power of systematic tracking of every suspect in London.”

Professor Lawrence Sherman, Metropolitan Police Chief Scientific Officer.

Multi-agency approaches 

The Met is prioritising more resources to focus on catching perpetrators outside the V100 initiative, taking a multi-agency approach and working more closely with victims. This involves working closely with local officers towards arresting and interviewing wanted suspects and enhancing manhunts for high-risk individuals.

The Met published ‘Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) action plan’, outlining its three pillars to build trust and confidence in the community work to make spaces safer for women and girls.

This plan emphasises the need to take action not only on the streets but also within the force. These commitments range from tackling sexism and misogyny in the Met, to improving support and care for victim survivors of domestic abuse and other VAWG offences.

The Met says this initiative aims to bring safety to the community of London and ensure women and girls continue to hold the right to feel safe at home, in public and online.

For similar articles, check out our Technology channel.