All Met Police officers to receive new warrant cards after fakes sold online

All Metropolitan Police officers are to be given new warrant cards after it emerged that extremely convincing fake versions were being sold online.

The badges, which feature a photograph of the officer and the Scotland Yard crest, are used by all officers to identify themselves when going about their duties.

But concerns have been raised within the force after it emerged that counterfeits were being sold on the internet that could be used by criminals to impersonate officers.

The Met are now introducing more high tech warrant cards that will make it more difficult to replicate.

It is thought they will include a chip to store data electronically as well as other security markings.

It is understood the upgrade will cost around £650,000 and the funding has been agreed by the Mayor of London’s office.

One police source told the Camden New Journal: “The roll-out is to do with security concerns but I think it’s also just time for an upgrade.”

Anyone found using a fake warrant card could be charged with impersonating a police officer, an offence that carries a maximum six month prison sentence.

A Met Police statement said: “The Met constantly reviews its physical, electronic and personnel security infrastructure so that we can take advantage of the latest technology to best protect the public, our officers, staff and informa­tion.

"As part of our ongoing review process, all warrant cards [issued to police officers] and ID cards [issued to other police personnel] are being upgraded this year.”