Hampstead is one of the richest boroughs in London, where – as in many other places – crime has fallen. The police would be employed by the Metropolitan Police but work only in the one borough. As of this morning pledges of £180,000 for each year had been made – enough for 3 officers – but more money is rolling in each hour from a crowd funding site.

The head of Met Police is said to have announced that he can see problems but is currently open-minded about the idea.

“Jessica Learmond-Criqui, who chairs the Frognal and Fitzjohns Safer neighbourhood panel, still hopes to secure a total of £600,000 over three years to fund five PCs and a Sergeant dedicated to Hampstead.”

http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/crime-court/fund_your_own_police_plan_in_hampstead_attracts_180k_pledges_in_four_weeks_1_4299030