Four sergeants are set to be axed under cost-cutting reforms of neighbourhood policing.
Up to 17 Safer Neighbourhood Team sergeants could be forced to re-apply for their jobs as the Met seeks to make savings triggered by government cutbacks last autumn.
Four sergeants will have to manage two SNTs – rather than one – under the restructuring set to be completed by the end of October.
Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone indicated the cuts were undermining crime fighting in the capital.
He said: “Boris Johnson’s threat of the sack for some of our most experienced officers does not tackle crime.”
But Ch Insp Richard Goodwin said: “Barking and Dagenham is required to reduce their sergeants from 17 to 13.
“All wards will still have their dedicated teams of two police constables and three police community support officers.
“Neighbourhood policing remains at the heart of our approach in this borough.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here