MPA supports Met recruitment drive

30/00
15 November 2000

Metropolitan Police Authority Chair Toby Harris said today that he supports the Metropolitan Police recruitment drive, which includes changes to its guidelines on age, qualifications and convictions.

He said:

"The Metropolitan Police Authority wholeheartedly supports the efforts of the Metropolitan Police to recruit more officers.

"At the present time the MPS is facing a severe shortage of men and women, which is detrimental to effective operational policing.

"The current strength of 25,241 officers is 359 below the establishment figure of 25,600, but the Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, has said that in order to police London effectively the Met needs another 2,500 police officers now.

"As a result of these shortages, the MPS has reviewed its guidelines on a number of requirements, including age, nationality and convictions.

"The MPA agrees with its conclusion that applicants should not be ruled out because they have a conviction for a minor offence, or a minor offence they committed as a juvenile. We need to look at new ways of boosting the numbers of police officers if we are to overcome the recruitment crisis.

"However, if police officers are to retain the full confidence of the public, they must demonstrate their honesty and integrity, and fulfill all recruitment criteria before they can be accepted.

"We will monitor the effectiveness of the new procedures, and continue to work with Commissioner to ensure that standards of policing in the Capital are maintained and enhanced."

Notes to editors

The Metropolitan Police Authority took over responsibility for the Metropolitan Police Service from the Home Secretary on 3 July.

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