The Metropolitan Police spent more than £4 million on international travel last year, including nearly 1,500 business class flights, according to new figures.
The force paid for 36 first class flights and 1,461 business class journeys while needing to cut £500 million from its budget by 2015.
A Freedom of Information request by the Daily Mirror revealed the Met’s £4,077,374 international travel bill increased from £2,675,768 the previous year.
Jenny Jones, deputy chair of the London Assembly police and crime committee, said: “That extra cash could have been spent on at least 30 police officers who could have been out catching criminals and making our streets safer.”
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has pledged to crack down on perks for senior police officers, such as chaffeur-driven cars, first class flights and grace-and-favour flats.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said officers were often required to travel abroad to investigate crimes.
He said: “In all instances, the most economical fare is purchased that meets the needs of the traveller and the reason for the visit.”
“The vast majority of flights undertaken are in the course of operational deployments, requiring immediate activity at the destination.
“Business class flights are usually only considered for flights in excess of six hours unless there are specific operational reasons otherwise.
