Met Police officers at the Notting Hill Carnival have been directed to refrain from dancing with festival-goers to avoid appearing ’embarrassing’, amidst concerns of uneven policing.
This year, police have been instructed to maintain ‘high standards of behaviour’ while being ‘friendly’, though dancing is not included. A Met Police spokesperson informed MailOnline that officers were briefed to remain vigilant, purposeful, and friendly, aligning with community celebrations while upholding professionalism.
Dancing police officers have become a common sight at the Carnival, often participating in group dances. However, there has been criticism, and in 2019, there were threats of a ‘dancing ban’ to help officers monitor their surroundings better.
🧵 | The first full day of Notting Hill Carnival takes place today. Updates through the weekend will be posted on this thread.
We’ve been planning the policing operation for many months. Details are set out at the link below. https://t.co/81hA0aN0Bw
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 25, 2024
Former inspector Mike Neville recently criticised the Carnival as an example of ‘two-tier policing’, claiming officers hesitate to make arrests for fear of accusations of racism. He noted that similar behaviour at football matches would lead to bans. Scotland Yard has denied practising two-tier policing at the event.
The Notting Hill Carnival, one of the UK’s longest-running street parties, celebrates Caribbean culture with colourful parades, dancing, and music. The event attracts around one million visitors each August Bank Holiday weekend but has also seen instances of violence.
In 2023, there were eight stabbings and 275 arrests reported by Met Police. This year, there have been three stabbings and 249 arrests, with 18 officers assaulted. A 32-year-old woman, stabbed while attending the Carnival with her child, remains in critical condition. A 29-year-old man and a 24-year-old man also sustained non-life-threatening injuries from stabbings.
Ahead of Monday’s main parade, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan remarked that the first day of the 2024 Carnival was ‘marred by violence’, highlighting the serious injuries and near fatalities. She emphasised the need for the community to speak out against the violence that overshadows the event.
Further arrests were made for sexual offences, drugs, robberies, and other crimes. A Section 60 order, authorising stop and search, was enacted from 6.05pm to 2am to enhance police operations and remove weapons.
Approximately 7,000 officers were deployed over the bank holiday weekend. Commander Chairman Brenyah mentioned that search powers would be used to confiscate weapons and intervene in violent incidents. He acknowledged the large crowd as a significant concern.
Businesses and residents boarded up properties in preparation for the Carnival. In 2019, Superintendent Elisabeth Chapple reminded officers to focus on their safety duties rather than dancing.
However, Matthew Phillip, the Carnival’s executive director, believed police engaging with the public was positive, viewing the Carnival as a cultural event rather than one needing strict policing.
Since the Carnival’s inception in 1966, police have often joined in the festivities while maintaining order. Some officers merely swayed their arms, while others embraced dancing with the crowd.
The Labour Party recently described the Carnival as a ‘vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and black history through music, art, and dance’ on social media.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Met top brass clamp down after years of officers cavorting with revellers led to two-tier policing claims, ordering bobbies not to ’embarrass’ the force and banning ‘dancing or other antics’.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why can’t police officers dance at Notting Hill Carnival?
Officers are instructed to maintain high standards and professionalism, which doesn’t include dancing.
How many people attend Notting Hill Carnival?
Approximately one million people attend the event each August Bank Holiday weekend.
What incidents of violence were reported at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival?
This year saw three stabbings, 249 arrests, and 18 officers assaulted.
What is the purpose of the Section 60 order during the carnival?
The Section 60 order authorizes stop and search to remove weapons from the streets.
What are people celebrating at the Notting Hill Carnival?
Notting Hill Carnival celebrates Caribbean culture with a parade, dancing, and music.