Murder/Major Investigation Teams (MIT) are the specialised homicide squads of the Metropolitan Police in London, England. Forming part of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, itself part of the Specialist Crime Directorate, there is one MIT for each Borough Operational Command Unit. MITs investigate cases of murder, manslaughter, attempted murder where the evidence of intent is unambiguous, or where a risk assessment identifies substantive risk to life.[1] They also undertake investigations into missing persons or abductions where there is a reason to suspect life has been taken or is under threat and other investigations identified for specialist needs.[1]
MITs were established in 2000 to replace the former Area Major Incident Pools (AMIPs) as part of Scotland Yard's Serious Crime Group. In 2001, there were 31 murder investigation teams operating in London, made up of 834 police officers, 182 civilian staff, and 14 senior detectives.
Currently, murder investigation in London is undertaken by the Specialist Crime Directorate's Homicide Command, which is split geographically into three units (West, East and South), each led by a Detective Chief Superintendent. Each of the Command Units has nine Major Investigation Teams (MITs), consisting of 33 staff, led by a Detective Chief Inspector (DCI), who performs the role of senior investigating officer (SIO).
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