ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJames W KellyLondonGetty ImagesThe unit will initially focus on antisemitic threats, but could serve as a model for protecting other communities facing spikes in hate crimeA dedicated team of 100 additional officers is to be deployed to protect London's Jewish communities, the Metropolitan Police has said.
The force said the new Community Protection Team would comprise of officers from neighbourhood policing, specialist protection and those with counter terrorism capabilities.
It follows a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites in London, as well as a double stabbing in Golders Green that is being treated as an act of terrorism.
Community Security Trust (CST) - a charity set up to protect British Jews from antisemitism - welcomed the announcement and said it sent a strong message to would-be offenders.
About 50 people have been arrested following several antisemitic hate crimes in London in recent weeks, with eight charged, according to the Met.
These include attacks on synagogues, a Jewish ambulance charity and a memorial wall in Golders Green.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously said 300 extra police officers were needed across London as he warned of a growing "pandemic" of antisemitism in the UK.
The new team of officers is to be made up of those who are "locally based, understand their communities, and have strong relationships with residents, schools, faith leaders and volunteers".
Sir Mark said: "The creation of a new Community Protection Team of around 100 officers is an important step in strengthening our response to the sustained threats Jewish communities are facing.
"We are working with government and the mayor to ensure the approach we are building can be sustained over time, not just for Jewish communities, but as a model that can support other communities across London when facing elevated risk."
He added that that longer-term investment would be needed to maintain the response.
A spokesperson for CST said: "This new measure is an important step at a time of heightened anti-Jewish hatred and reflects the seriousness of the threats currently facing the community.
"The increase in the number of arrests for antisemitic hate crimes in recent weeks is a welcome sign of effective action being taken by the police, which we hope will send a strong message both to the Jewish community and to would-be offenders."
The announcement follows a £25m government funding package for protective policing, of which £18m has been allocated to the Met.
The force said the money had already helped fund an additional 1,000 officer shifts per week, largely through overtime and redeployment.
The Met said the unit would initially focus on antisemitic threats, but could serve as a model for protecting other communities facing spikes in hate crime.
The force added that tackling all forms of hate crime, including anti-Muslim abuse, racism and homophobia, remained a core priority.
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