On Friday, 14 February, Richmond and Bushy Parks Safer Parks Panel was updated by the Met Police that the Royal Parks Police will continue until "at least" 31 March and that the plan is for the parks police to be closed down by December 2025.

News that the Royal Parks Police, which patrol Richmond and Bushy Parks, could be disbanded due to Met funding cuts broke in December last year.

 Since the news broke out, local MPs and Richmond Council have both campaigned against the Royal Parks Police disbandment.

Currently, there are seven police officers dedicated across Richmond and Bushy Parks, "and they provide an invaluable service keeping crime low", says Richmond and Bushy Parks Safer Parks panel member Matt Allchurch.