Enfield is set to implement a new policing structure that will see wards clustered under four inspectors, a move designed to foster more cohesive teamwork and consistent supervision. The new structure is scheduled to take effect from January 25th, 2026.
While the new structure aims to enhance policing, concerns have been raised regarding staffing and potential challenges. The meeting information indicates that no ward posts have been cut, but some wards have lost PCs, and 'abstraction' remains unavoidable, particularly on weekends.
Clustering is intended to provide minimum staffing resilience.
Recruitment challenges have also been noted, with 9 Police Constable (PC) vacancies and 15 Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) vacancies.
The issue of abstraction
– officers being pulled away from their usual duties – is acknowledged as unavoidable, especially during weekends, further impacting staffing levels.
Furthermore, an inconsistency in attendance across the borough
by Sergeants and Inspectors at Ward Panel meetings has been identified. Actions have been agreed to address this, including reporting repeated non-attendance to Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs and re-circulating an updated contact list. These measures aim to ensure consistent engagement and oversight across all wards.
More details on the policing strategy and related discussions can be found in the Minutes Safer Neighbourhood Board v2 and the Enfield SNB presentation - April 2026.
