The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) worked alongside Tower Hamlets Council in yesterday’s Mayoral and the Government Local Elections. This built on the lessons learnt from previous elections and feedback from different sections of the community and key stakeholders.

Their plan, reviewed by both her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for elections, was conducted on polling day with officers at every polling station on the borough and during the Mayoral count that took place this morning.

The Met’s Special Enquiry Team (SET) worked closely with police officers on the borough and investigated 13 election related offences. The SET is an experienced team of detectives who have further developed their knowledge and expertise by completing the electoral fraud accredited training course which is run by City of London Police and sanctioned by the Electoral Commission.

All police officers have received coordinated training with the Tower Hamlets Returning Officer’s staff so there was a clear understanding of the different areas of responsibility. They were visible and engaged with members of the public and dealt with any incidents brought to their attention.

Borough Dectectives [CID] had two incidents reported to them, however neither was an ‘electoral offence’.