The Police and Crime Committee met on Wednesday 20 May 2026 to discuss a range of critical issues facing London. Key topics included the rise in antisemitic hate crime and the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) response, the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology, and the procurement of technology contracts. The Committee also reviewed the ongoing challenges of recruitment and retention within the MPS.

The Committee heard from Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes QPM and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Kaya Comer-Schwartz regarding the significant increase in antisemitic hate crime, particularly following attacks on the Jewish community. The MPS detailed its response, including increased patrols, ongoing investigations led by Counter Terrorism policing, and the 35 arrests made so far. Concerns were raised by Assembly Members about the safety and reassurance felt by the Jewish community, and the effectiveness of reporting mechanisms for lower-level harassment. The Deputy Mayor highlighted the Mayor's Shared Endeavour Fund, which aims to tackle extremism and antisemitism through preventative work, and the ongoing partnership with community organisations like the Community Security Trust (CST).

Discussions also focused on the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology. The Deputy Commissioner welcomed a High Court ruling affirming its lawfulness and effectiveness in safeguarding London, citing numerous arrests made using the technology. The Committee explored the potential expansion of LFR, including its use adjacent to protest sites, and the decision-making process for such deployments, emphasizing the need for fairness and transparency. Safeguards and oversight mechanisms for LFR, including accuracy assessments and engagement with civil liberties groups, were also discussed.

The Committee delved into the MPS's technology contracts and procurement, specifically the Palantir pilot. Concerns were raised about governance, privacy implications, algorithmic bias, and ethical procurement. The Deputy Mayor and Deputy Commissioner outlined the safeguards in place, including strict conditions under GDPR legislation and the involvement of the London Policing Ethics Panel. The cost of the pilot and the potential reputational risks associated with the supplier were also debated.

Finally, the Committee addressed the challenging issue of recruitment and retention within the MPS, particularly concerning the potential loss of 60 experienced PCSOs due to a change in contract with TfL. The Deputy Mayor acknowledged the human impact of these decisions and outlined ongoing conversations with TfL and the Mayor to find a resolution. The discussion also touched upon the broader need for sustainable funding for the Metropolitan Police Service.