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Warning: This is archived material and may be out of date. The Metropolitan Police Authority has been replaced by the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPC).

See the MOPC website for further information.

Careers at the Metropolitan Police Service

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is always growing and evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of London’s vibrant mix of nationalities, faiths and cultures. The dedication to finding new ways to provide the kind of service that London wants and needs has seen the organisation recognised on a global scale as a leading authority on policing today.

Founded in 1829 by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel, the MPS started out with just 1,000 officers policing a population of 2 million. Fast-forward to the 21st century and there are now some 50,000 officers and staff responsible for 7.2 million Londoners, spanning 32 boroughs and 620 square miles.

As London’s biggest employer, MPS people come from all walks of life, have all manner of skills and experiences and carry out all sorts of different roles. As well as the officers out on the policing frontline, the Met also employs 14,000 members of police staff who are involved in everything from answering emergency calls to training horses, keeping our accounts in order to working at the cutting-edge of IT.

Because the MPS is committed to creating a police service that fully reflects London’s diversity, it’s essential that all applicants have a genuine respect and sensitivity for working effectively with the capital’s many different communities.

The sheer size and diversity of the MPS brings unique challenges but it also brings unique rewards. Benefits include good salaries, excellent career prospects, a superb pension and the unparalleled sense of pride that comes with helping to make London safer.

To find out more about any of the following roles (except ACPO rank experienced officers), please visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

New Constables

Police Officers are currently recruited through targeted events.

Experienced Officers

We have a range of opportunities on offer for experienced Police Officers looking to transfer or return to the MPS.

  • Earn more than £6k on top of national rates of pay.
  • Enjoy one of the best rewards packages around.
  • Experience the unique challenges of policing London.
  • Choose from hundreds of potential career paths.

Non-ACPO rank

Chief Superintendent, Superintendent, Chief Inspector, Inspector, Sergeant and Constable positions will be advertised at the following: www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

ACPO rank

Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Assistant Commissioner and Commander.

For these positions the MPA will advertise vacancies when available at: Careers at Metropolitan Police Authority

Police Staff

There are nearly 14,000 members of Police Staff, carrying out 200+ different roles - from entry level positions to senior management - and providing the organisational capability we need to deliver an effective police service.

  • They enjoy excellent opportunities for career progression.
  • They receive excellent benefits including a choice of pension scheme, generous holidays, interest free season ticket loan and access to an active sports and social club.
  • They get the support and training they need to achieve their development goals.

Current vacancies can be found at: www.met.police.uk/careers/policestaff/

Police Community Support Officers (PCSO)

PCSOs are the key to how the MPS engage London's communities. Building bridges with the public, they are a reassuring presence, deterring crime and making a visible difference to people's lives.

  • They focus on the needs of the community.
  • They interact and engage with the public.
  • They help create safer neighbourhoods.
  • They earn up to £25k a year.

Special Constables

Special Constables are volunteer Police Officers, therefore they are not paid. Also known as 'Specials', they are everyday people who in their spare time do something positive for themselves and their community.

  • They have the same powers as regular Police Officers.
  • They volunteer for at least 16 hours a month (200 hours a year).
  • They make a real difference.
  • They wear a similar uniform to regular officers.

Met Volunteer Programme

The Met Volunteer Programme (MVP) gives volunteers the opportunity to support the Met in making London the safest major city in the world.

  • Met Volunteers lend their skills and free time.
  • They volunteer in the borough that they also live or work in.
  • By giving back to their community, they also gain valuable experience.
  • www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

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