The government has announced a major funding boost to increase the presence of specially trained officers on Britain’s streets, with a focus on protecting Jewish and other faith communities facing rising hate crimes.
A new £5 million fund will allow police forces to expand Project Servator, a counter-terrorism tactic designed to catch criminals and terrorists before they strike. The initiative will initially roll out in London and Manchester, where the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police will ramp up visible and unpredictable patrols in busy public spaces.
Unlike routine policing, Project Servator officers are trained to spot the subtle signs of hostile reconnaissance—people watching security points, testing responses, or preparing for attacks. Teams include both uniformed and plain-clothes officers, supported by specialist units. The goal is not just to respond to incidents, but to disrupt them before they happen.
The funding follows a series of high-profile incidents that have shaken community confidence. In recent months, an arson attack targeted Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green, individuals were charged under the National Security Act for allegedly surveilling Jewish sites, a terrorist struck at Heaton Park synagogue, and a mosque in Peacehaven was set on fire. Meanwhile, record levels of both antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate crimes have intensified concerns across the country.
Project Servator has already proven effective. Previous deployments have led to arrests, the seizure of drugs and weapons, and the collection of vital intelligence used in counter-terrorism investigations. Officers also engage directly with the public and local businesses, encouraging everyone to report anything unusual.
The expansion comes as part of a broader effort to rebuild trust and security among minority faith groups, who have increasingly felt targeted. With patrols set to intensify in the coming weeks, the government hopes the visible police presence will both deter would-be attackers and offer reassurance to those who need it most.
Greater Manchester Police Inspector Chris Hadfield, Tactical Lead for Project Servator said: ‘Project Servator plays a vital role in our approach to public safety, by providing a combination of police visibility, community engagement and partnership working to protect our people across GM.
‘This additional funding strengthens our commitment to Project Servator and will allow us the opportunity to expand the work we do in disrupting criminal activity. Our specially trained officers spot the tell-tale signs that someone is planning to commit an act of crime, while maintaining a strong and reassuring presence within the local communities.
‘Since launching at GMP in 2016, Project Servator has continued to work in busy areas across the city, as well as maintaining safety at wider public events that visit Manchester, such as the BRIT Awards earlier this year.
‘Our patrols are highly visible, but deployments are unpredictable, and can happen at any time, in any given location. The teams also regularly conduct deployments in and around local faith communities, supporting with cultural events and holy days.
‘It is our aim that this funding will continue to support this mission and ensure the public always know the best places to report any suspicious or unusual activity.’
Photo: Kai Pilger
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