The Metropolitan Police (Met) says that new police constable recruits will from November be able to complete their police training part-time and take to the streets of London in a part-time role.
The Met believes it is the first UK force to make this offer and hopes it will make the role more attractive to those who may consider a career in policing but feel unable to because of family or other commitments. Research by the Met has shown working hours is one reason people feel a police constable role is not for them – this feedback was particularly high from women.
The new scheme was born out of the Met’s marking to recognise 100 years of women in the service, since November 1918. However, the opportunity is open to both men and women and it is hoped it will help achieve the Commissioner Cressida Dick’s long-term ambition of a Met service in which men and women are equally represented.
Cressida Dick, pictured, said: “The case for doing this was clear – we know that one of the obstacles stopping some people from fulfilling their dream of becoming a police officer has been the lack of flexibility in how they have to train and balance their family life.
“We will continue to break down barriers where we know they exist, as we strive to open up a career in policing with the Met to even more people. Policing really is a fantastic and rewarding career so if you want to join us – sign up now.”
Until now, all new police constable recruits were expected to complete their training and then their probationary training period on a full-time basis before they were able to apply for part-time working. Now new recruits will be able to opt into alternative working patterns from the point of application. Working patterns available are:
– Full time (working 40 hours per week and earning a base salary of £30,372)
– Part-time officers working an average of 24 hours per week or 240 hours over the 10-week cycle (earning a base salary of £18,223)
– Part-time officer working an average of 16 hours per week or 160 hours over the 10-week cycle (earning a base salary of £13,149).
Visit https://www.met.police.uk/car/careers/met/police-officer-roles/.
Comment
Chair of the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee, Unmesh Desai, welcomed the announcement as a way of opening upa career in policing to those with different situations at home. He said: “In our 2014 report, Diversity of the Met, the committee called for a review of flexible working practices. It is great to see to see that steps continue to be taken that aim to improve diversity, particularly encouraging more women to join the service. This announcement will hopefully be an attraction to potential recruits who had not considered the police force before.”
