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Scotland Yard chief Sir Paul Stephenson faces a growing revolt from officers over a personal crusade to persuade beat bobbies to patrol alone.
More than 1,000 police and community support officers have joined a Facebook protest, warning that single patrols put them in danger. At least 300 are believed to work for the Met.
Scotland Yard said today that it was not advising officers against joining the online petition — but the force's internal investigations unit is said to be examining the names on the list.
In a new twist today it was claimed that Met dog units have been ordered to patrol in vans on their own rather than in pairs.
But one insider said force regulations meant that two officers had to attend an incident involving a dangerous dog — so the unit now faced having to send two vans to the same incident.
Dozens of comments have been posted on the Facebook petition. A Brixton community support officer said being left alone was “madness”, while a recently retired officer wrote: “It will take an officer to be injured or killed before a rethink, and then it will be too late.” Another contributor called on officers to refuse to patrol alone.
The Met said the views were “of concern” but denied officers have been warned against joining the petition. But one online contributor said a friend received “unfair and unjust” disciplinary action after posting a comment.
The protest was started by a Kent woman who said she would not become a community support officer if made to patrol alone in dangerous areas.
Sir Paul first unveiled plans for single patrols last March and they have since been included in a government White Paper.
He said walking the streets in pairs became routine over the past two decades because no one questioned it and it is more effective to work alone.
The Police Federation, the police staff association, said it would support any officer who demanded to be in a pair because of the risks they faced.
A Met spokesman said: “We have made it clear that single patrolling will not be possible in some situations to ensure officer safety.”
Reader views (36)
All the people that bleat on about all the equipment we have. Fair enough it is more than normal law abiding joe public. But alot of the time we arent dealing with these people. We are dealing with criminals who routinely carry knives, screwdrivers etc. I stopped a car 2 weeks ago as he was on his mobile phone. Due to the poor quality radios we have, I lost signal and then it cut off. In the mean time, the male got out of the car, in his door there was a kitchen knife, I saw it, he saw that I saw it and then grabbed it and tried to stab me. It ended in a fight, I got injured. He drove off. I took a note of his VRM and had to walk back to the station as my radio died and my mobile broke in the scuffle. I then had to get my injuries seen to and then circulate the VRM. If there was 2 of us, its highly unlikely both radios would of died.
Joe public dont go stopping cars or dealing with conflict. They can walk by, its us that have to deal with it. I know its my job and Im more then happy to deal, but at least give us the back up of colleagues.
- James, London
"Emily - gangs who dare to attack police will do so whether you are lone patrol or dual. By the way, there's a reason why police are issued with CS Spray, Radio [emergency call button] and baton + taught self-defence techniques. Despite some politicians wanting us to believe we live in a 'broken society' I think if a lone policeman is attacked members of the public are likely to assist - our society isn't that 'broken'."
You are thinking financially which is not what it is about. To assume the apathetic public would assist Police under attack is what I would expect a Home Counties teenager to think, not a man from Lewisham. Finally attacking two is twice as difficult as attacking one as you well know. They do not have spray either despite any Sun headlines you have read.
- Dan, London
Honestly, those who oppose the solo patrol should stop your moan and 'GROW UP'. Your colleagues who live through the 40, 50 and 60 has had a worse than you. The role of Police and PCSOs carries with it a certain risks that ordinary members of the public may not otherwise experience. However, no one drags you through the recrutiment line and force you into the job. You made a choice and if you don't like the risk that goes with the job - get another one. I support the lone patrol for a number of reasons, (a) better utilisation of resources and greater coverage, (b)public are more likely to approach you because you appear less distrated (c) more value for money.
Emily - gangs who dare to attack police will do so whether you are lone patrol or dual. By the way, there's a reason why police are issued with CS Spray, Radio [emergency call button] and baton + taught self-defence techniques. Despite some politicians wanting us to believe we live in a 'broken society' I think if a lone policeman is attacked members of the public are likely to assist - our society isn't that 'broken'. Actually it encourages and builds community partnership. Although I wish no officers gets attacked.
Last point, echoed by most writer - if an area is deemed unsafe for the police how safe is it for a member of the public without any protective equipement?
- Dominik, lewisham
The Police get to carry batons, sprays and electric shock devices. It is illegal for anyone else to carry any sort of implement for self defence - yet we walk the streets by ourselves while the Police are too scared.
Honestly, the Police these days are beyond useless.
"
Please cmon, the police will be more of a target that a normal member of the pubilc, and unlike you sir, if there is a stabbing or disturbance nearby, they will have to attend to it. Maybe if you feel you could do beter then maybe you should join 
.
Anyway most police don't have tasers or firearms, which is a different matter, and pcsos do not have anything.
I am emphasising with them on this case
- Al, Lewisham
If an area is being deemed too dangerous for Police to patrol singly then what makes them think it's safe for civilians to visit singly? FIX THE PROBLEM AND STOP BLEATING. DO WHAT WE PAY YOU FOR OR QUIT.
- Ethan, EUSSR
It will be safe for the vast majority of civilians but all Police would be targets. Please say intelligent things on here, particularly as you don't pay the Police as you don't work.
- Dan, London
people are missing the point. when us police officers are off duty, most of us, me included will intervene to help and assist, so we do walk alone like the rest of the world. i have no problem walking alone in the streets of london, if its dangerous then its challenging, but when a complaint hits me from a man i arrest for any offence then i will get suspended and its his words against mine. Those people who saying we are scared and should get an office job should realise that 'human rights' and complaints used by criminals these days is more effective than a victim's or a police officer, therefore if i get involved with anyone and get a complaint who's there to prove me right....the 1 or 3 criminals that i was dealing with? please.
- Vhfc, london
The Police get to carry batons, sprays and electric shock devices. It is illegal for anyone else to carry any sort of implement for self defence - yet we walk the streets by ourselves while the Police are too scared.
Honestly, the Police these days are beyond useless.
- Thalia, London
Yet another indication of the sliding decline of the modern-day copper if they`re afraid to walk on their own. Once upon a time, coppers had a bit of moral fibre, guts and courage. Not any more, seems any Tom, Dick and Harry can get in, then moan about having to patrol on their own. Pathetic.
- Matt, Islington
I'm a beat officer, and I reguarly go out single crewed. If you can't be on your own without being scared of attack, you should get an office job. There is obviously a need for some double crewed ERVs, but not everyone needs to be with a crew mate.
- Ashley, Kent
Yes What A Fantastic Cheap Skating Idea. Let's Split The Police Up And Make It Look Like There Are Actually More Than What There Really Is. I Mean Its Not As If This Labour Government Have Dragged The Country Into Debt Or Anything Is It!!!!!!
- Studley, Gloucestershire
The Met Police are part of the Emergency Services that protect and Serve London. So in that respect,....el
Would you ask the paramedics from the London Ambulance Service to start entirely single patrolling, and to deal with incidents by themsves?
Answer: NO
Would you ask the firefighters from the London Fire Brigade to go out alone and deal with fires???
Answer: NO
Would you ask the doctors and nurses from the NHS to just deal with a patient by themselves???
Answer: NO.
So why is this being asked of the Police, whose job is more inherently dangerous than most jobs in London????
Give the Police the room and freedom to work as a team.
That's all they ask.
- Dave, London, UK
This Facebook group is for PCSOs not Constables. Don't tar the real Police with the same brush. Please keep the article to the point please.
Lets be honest if I had no powers but was asked to walk about in uniform like a target I'd want some back up too. I'm a Police Officer, I'm not afraid to patrol alone nor are my friends. It's the criminals who should be afraid of me.
- Lee, London United Kingdom
Forget the special pleading of the Police Federation and the current generation of officers who know no better. Apart from a few obvious locations, the streets of our cities towns and villages are not the war-zones that the media and our current crop of soft so-called 'cops' would have us believe. Real police officers have patrolled alone for decades and should continue to do so. If they don't like it, they should consider their position; there are at least twenty applicants waiting in line for their job in every force in the country. Stephenson has touched upon an issue of real importance here - the MPA and the public must support him to the hilt and pay no attention to the exaggerated moans of officers who refuse to do as they are told.
- Disillusionedexmet, London
Plenty of room in them helmets for a 360-degree camera in the lump on top. And if you don't wear a helmet when talking to the likes of us, you're not real Police.
- Steve, London, England
Single officers will have to use more force to restrain a suspect than two officers would, resulting in more injuries to suspects. When they do they will be sued and hung out to dry by the senior ranks of the Met.
The answer to this increased vulnerability and lack of support? A dynamic risk assessment, stating that it was too dangerous to intervene. Role your eyes and sigh your sighs but this is the future of policing.
Officers too scared to intervene, not because they may get a kicking by some morally bankrupt young thug and end up in hospital, rather because they will get a kicking in court by morally dubious solicitor and end up bankrupt.
- Gary, London
I appreciate members of the public have to walk the street without protection as some of you suggest,however,they dont have to get involved and can walk away..I also understand why they dont get involved,and many do have a go or call the police,but the courts dont seem to back people who do so...They often become victims as a result.Please lets support the police,they are not all bad,lazy most just want to do their job...
- Ken Avis, paris
if the police dont like it, no one is forcing them to stay in their jobs. there are plenty of unemployed to take their places
- Josh, london
There are many areas in which a lone police officer would cope without problem, but there are many others in which he or she would be at serious risk, particularly from gangs of yobs, high on dope or booze.
I don't believe the introduction of CSO's has enhanced the authority of the police. They seem to be very ineffective with little power.
- George, Cambridge
If it isn't safe for plod to walk the street alone then its time to allow ordinary tax payers to arm themselves as we can't wear body armour and carry CS gas, battons etc. Nor do we have a warrant card (get out of jail free).
It'd help, of course, if the police had retained some sort of minimum height, fitness, and intelligence requirements to gain entry.
- Stew, London
splitting up officers will stop them walking along like a couple of lovers chatting to each other and encourage them to speak to the public and focus their attention on what's going on around them... plus it'll double the number of police on the beat at a stroke. about time!
- Marino, london
We are expected to Walk the streets alone. Let the World in. We are a Safe pleasant Green Country.
- John, dagenham
I don't see what the fuss is about. I've been a police officer for 14 years in London, and apart from when I am tutoring probationers I patrol solo night or day, rain or shine. I won't be joining a facebook group against the policy. If the police are too scared to walk the streets alone then how can we expect the tax payers to do so?
- James, London
I'm a senior Police Officer in Hannover and we are discussing this opportunity as well - but, in comparison to London our crime and anti-social-behaviour level is very low - and we decided that single patrols on the beat are allowed during day light, in safe areas and if the Officers is experienced. And keep in mind : we are carrying guns !!!!
So what is Sir Paul talking about???
He should go (in normal uniform) on the beat and smell the street and get in contact with all these agressive youngsters - I'm quite sure he will change his mind.
- Matthias, Hannover, Germany
A lone police officer can´t do anything. The thugs will automatically go "E hit me innit?????" and any action taken against the thug will be even more pointless than it already is. The copper will have to call another copper...... takes time..... and so on. Not a good idea.....
- Juma, london, uk
how do these idiots get to be in such a senior position? Perhaps we can start with him walking through Brixton every night for the next 6 months,if he lats that long.
- Tony, san diego ca usa
I think they call this dissention in the ranks and anyone who, "stirs it up," may well find themselves on the end of a disciplinary charge. The move to dual patrolling is a relatively new phenomena and is a totally inefficient use of police resources. To suggest that all parts of this country are so dangerous that a police officer cannot patrol alone is ridiculous. Having two officers sent to every incident means one is sat idle, while the other does the form filling. You are halving the effectiveness of your patrolling staff. I did over 30 years in the job and was never afraid to go out alone. Patrolling alone makes you carry out your duties in a far less confrontational style. The officers I found who generally got assaulted were those who were always getting assaulted. Sir Paul is right to do what he is doing. If those unable to do the job as he wishes they should think long and hard if they are physically and mentality up to it.
- Brian G, Norfolk Gorleston
Have you seen the state of some these so called police offers recently! Since they brought down their standards e.g. anyone can get into the police... I've seen officers barely over the height of 5'2 patrolling the streets... one woman I recently saw looked like see would have trouble tackling a small child. Lone patrols are a big mistake; the public would have to help half this lot out if there was ever any trouble.
- Paul, London
It just doesn't make sense. If you have been mugged or assaulted you need one police man/woman to stay with you and another to chase the criminal! And how about corroborating evidence? If its just person's word as opposed to 2, surely that's less valid? Pet personal projects don't work in the public services, just look at Gordon's record with his personal ideas.
Take the ego away and listen to your staff and the people you serve, Sir Paul!
- Mikkiduk, Hackney, London.
Obviously patrolling alone isn't suitable at all times and all places but more than not i see pairs of CSOs wandering along together discuss what they watched on TV last night or having for supper tongight. there could be space ship landing within 30 yards and they won't notice. not efficient use of money.
- Chris, London
If an area is being deemed too dangerous for Police to patrol singly then what makes them think it's safe for civilians to visit singly? If it isn't safe enough for said civilian then the Police (and the 'revolving door justice system' and the clueless CPS) simply are not doing their jobs properly (or indeed even what we pay them for). So in a nutshell dear plod ....FIX THE PROBLEM AND STOP BLEATING. DO WHAT WE PAY YOU FOR OR QUIT.
I have little patience for these lightweights. Bring back real justice....not lefty liberal wrist splapping.
- Ethan, EUSSR
Oh poor little things. The rest of the population has to travel alone, and if the police did their job properly instead of hiding in cars in groups, we wouldn't have to worry would we? Pathetic.
- Jon, london
Any protests should have been made in private instead of publicising fear. Police haters will just feel encouraged.
- Dan, London
I remember a time police officers patrolled the streets alone, and without radios or CS gas, let alone body armour; that was in the tough days of bank robberies and armoured car raids, along with smash and grab raids in the London smog’s etc, this of course was also normal in 1940, 1950, 1960 etc.
Today people are expected to walk alone on the streets, without CS gas or body armour to protect themselves with, or even a radio to call for direct police assistance in the event of attack etc.
The ordinary people are not even allowed to carry defensive weapons for their own self defence; in case they hurt their attackers, and if by any chance they do survive an attack by fighting back against a criminal; they normally end up in court or jail with their DNA stored on the Governments DNA criminal database etc.
As for trained Police Officers, armed and protected like no other member of the general public is armed and protected; if they are afraid of doing their jobs; why are they still doing it?
And to be honest; who ever see’s any police officers patrolling the streets anyway; they are just ghosts that fly by in their cars; or 16 handed in large vans.
You never see any of them on the streets with the rest of us unprotected mugs; they are normally safe at home in their police stations.
- Mickinlondon, london
Lone patrols are not a good move. Police need back up and support.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon
Traditionally policing in the UK has been by consent.
If the police are unable to walk the beat solo in any area and need pairs of officers I would suggest they have lost the area.
- Simon, kingston
They're 100% right in opposing this.
Lone patrolmen/women, will inevitably attract attack and be baited by gangs, and other thugs out to make a name for themselves as the toughie who felled a policeman. Once this begins to happen frequently, as we all know it will, whatever authority the law has, will be gone.
When there are two, they are a much tougher proposition to take on. One of the pair at least will have a window of opportunity to call-in the shout, if they're being attacked. Whereas a lone officer is easily completely disabled.
Whoever came up with this proposal needs demoted as incompetent. If it's pushed through, I would take to the streets in protracted protest, with any angry mothers, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends and family of any of our serving officers.
- Emily, London
