Overview

• The Met confirmed officers are prohibited from dancing with revellers, saying it could distract them from responding to crime and safety incidents.
• Nearly 7,000 officers will police the two-day west London event, which draws more than a million attendees each year.
• Live facial recognition will be used on approaches to the carnival to identify wanted suspects and deter troublemakers.
• Last year’s carnival saw two murders and more than 60 officers injured, intensifying concerns about violent crime and crowding in narrow streets.
• The dancing rule was first introduced in 2019, according to a police source, and senior figures have privately questioned images of officers dancing when serious violence occurs.