As London gears up for one of the year’s most iconic street festivals, the police have already made a significant pre-emptive move.
Around 100 people were arrested ahead of the Notting Hill Carnival, while locals prepared for the weekend by boarding up their shops and businesses.
Authorities say these steps are aimed at reducing risks and keeping the streets safer for the millions expected to attend.
Weapons Seized and Prison Recalls
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that in recent operations, 11 firearms and more than 40 knives were confiscated.
Additionally, 21 individuals were recalled to prison.
Police stress that these actions target those deemed most likely to cause trouble.
On top of that, 266 people are currently under bail or probation conditions that bar them from attending the carnival.
Remembering Last Year’s Tragedies
Concerns about safety are particularly acute given last year’s violent incidents.
Two people lost their lives at the carnival in 2024: Cher Maximen, who was tragically killed in front of her young daughter, and chef Mussie Imnetu.
Commander Charmain Brenyah, speaking on behalf of the force, said she hopes this year’s pre-emptive arrests will serve as a deterrent for anyone considering committing crimes during the festival.
Fears Over Crowd Safety
Even with the policing efforts, crowd safety remains a pressing concern.
With around one million people expected on the streets, Commander Brenyah warned about the risk of a crowd crush.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan echoed these worries, describing the carnival as a “victim of its own success” and cautioning that it could become a mass-casualty event if not carefully managed.
Facial Recognition Technology in Use
To bolster security, the Met plans to deploy live facial recognition (LFR) technology at the carnival.
Cameras will scan attendees in real-time both within the event boundaries and along the approaches.
However, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has raised concerns that current rules and safeguards may fall short, potentially affecting people’s rights.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley assured campaign groups that the technology would be used without bias, emphasizing its reliability and effectiveness in keeping Londoners safe.
Screening Arches and Stop-and-Search Measures
In addition to LFR, screening arches will be set up at the busiest entry points.
Officers will use stop-and-search powers to prevent weapons from being brought into the festival.
National intelligence has been shared to identify violent gangs planning to attend, and banning orders are being pursued against individuals with histories of violent or sexual offenses.
Police on High Alert
Some 7,000 Metropolitan Police officers and staff will be on duty to safeguard up to two million revellers.
Still, last year’s experience weighs heavily: in just two days, 61 officers were assaulted, and 349 arrests were made—the highest since 2019.
Officers faced attacks ranging from punches and kicks to headbutts and bottles being thrown.
Residents and Businesses Brace for Impact
Local residents and shop owners have taken precautions, boarding up windows along the carnival route to protect property from potential damage.
The police federation has highlighted officers’ fears of both assaults and crowd crushes.
Simon Hill, Deputy General Secretary of the Metropolitan Police Federation, warned that the dense crowds can leave officers isolated and vulnerable, particularly female colleagues who report sexual assaults during such events.
Keeping the Carnival Safe
With the combination of pre-emptive arrests, new security measures, and crowd management strategies, authorities are determined to keep the carnival safe while allowing Londoners and visitors to enjoy the festivities.
The coming weekend will test both policing strategies and public patience as West London comes alive for this vibrant, yet potentially risky, celebration.
