The funding builds on £28.4 million already allocated this year to protect the Jewish community, and will be used to expand “Project Servator” deployments – a policing tactic developed by the City of London Police that relies on highly visible and unpredictable patrols to disrupt criminal activity.
Under the scheme, uniformed and plain-clothes officers trained to identify suspicious behaviour linked to serious crime and terrorism will be deployed more widely around faith sites.
Jarvis told the JC: “As Passover comes to a close, Jewish families will have come together to celebrate freedom, resilience and the strength of community despite the heightened sense of insecurity many have experienced.
“In recent years, Jewish communities have faced an unacceptable rise in antisemitism and hate crime. Deeply troubling incidents, including hostile surveillance around Jewish sites, the appalling terror attack on Heaton Park and the deliberate targeting of Jewish community ambulances in Golders Green, have caused real fear and anxiety at a time when people should feel safe,” he went on.
“That is why we are stepping up our support. We are providing £5m of new funding to the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police to put more specialist officers onto the streets and into the communities where they are most needed.
“It builds on the £28.4m available this year to enhance protective security at synagogues, Jewish faith schools and community centres, administered by the Community Security Trust,” Jarvis went on.
Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis, speaks at the NCSC headquarters on October 14, 2025 in London (Getty Images)Getty Images
“These officers form part of Project Servator. They have a strong track record of stopping criminals and terrorists through highly visible deployments that can take place anywhere and at any time. Officers are specially trained to spot the warning signs of individuals who may be planning or preparing to commit an attack.”
He said he hoped the additional officers would reassure the community that security has been increased.
“These patrols not only disrupt those who intend to cause harm, they also provide reassurance to communities who deserve to know they are not facing these threats alone.
“Antisemitism has no place in our country. I want to be clear to our Jewish community, and to all faith groups: we stand with you and will always support the police in protecting your safety,” the security minister said.
The £5 million is in addition to £73.4 million committed for protective security at faith sites in 2026–27, with the initial focus on London and Manchester.
Met deputy commissioner, Matt Jukes, said the funding would strengthen efforts to deter crime and reassure communities.
“Our communities are the heart of policing, and everything we do is focused on keeping people safe and feeling protected where they live, work and worship. Servator deployments are an important way we deliver that, by placing specialist officers at key locations to deter criminal activity and provide visible reassurance,” he said.
Greater Manchester Police Inspector Chris Hadfield, the force’s tactical lead for Project Servator, said the approach combined “police visibility, community engagement and partnership working” to protect the public.
"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.
"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,” he said.
The announcement comes as the Met confirmed that more than 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of antisemitic hate crimes as part of a specialist operation in recent months. The force said it had increased resources dedicated to investigating hate crime and was prioritising cases more quickly.
Commander Andy Featherstone, who is leading the operation, said: “Hate crime, of any kind, has no place in our communities and we take all reports incredibly seriously.
“We have significantly improved how we deal with these offences and solving twice as many hate crimes compared to last year.
“However, we know some people are reluctant to come forward, and I hope this provides reassurance to communities that their reports will be treated with the seriousness they deserve,” Featherstone said.
One of those charged through the operation was Hackney-based Jean Charles Tavius, 26, charged with 11 counts of racially or religiously aggravated threatening behaviour, criminal damage and racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage.
He was arrested on March 24 after officers were called to reports of a man shouting antisemitic abuse and throwing a rock at the window of a moving car.
Munir Saleh, 29, from Tottenham, was charged six counts of racially or religiously aggravated threatening behaviour, assault by beating and common assault.
An investigation was launched after the police were called to reports of a man shouting antisemitic abuse and spitting at people, and Saleh was arrested on April 5.
Both men are set to appear in court next month for the separate charges.
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Burnt Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green (Image: Getty Images)Getty Images