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WHAT WE’RE ABOUTOUR MISSION

For more information, please visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

Few, IF aNy, MajOR LONdON eMpLOyeRS cOULd hOpe tO Match the dIveRSIty OF ROLeS avaILabLe at the MetROpOLItaN pOLIce SeRvIce (MpS). wIth OveR 200 ROLeS tO chOOSe, bOth IN aNd OUt OF UNIFORM, yOU’Re ceRtaIN tO FINd a caReeR path that wILL bRINg OUt the beSt IN yOU. Like the great city we serve, the MPS is changing more rapidly and extensively than at any time in our history. Faced with policing 620 of the most ethnically and culturally diverse square miles in the world, we are creating a service fit for the 21st century and for every one of the 7.2 million people that live and work in London.

Our mission:

‘wORkINg tOgetheR FOR a SaFeR LONdON’That means:

• Increasing public confidence and satisfaction

• preventing and reducing crime, disorder and vulnerability

• Increasing safety and security

• Improving quality of service

• being efficient and effective

WHAT WE’RE ABOUTOUR pRIORItIeS


when you’re responsible for looking after a city as dynamic as London, you need to respond and adapt to change. at present the policing London Strategy of 2006–09 drives our priorities. they are:

SaFeR NeIghbOURhOOdSTo provide a local policing team in each electoral ward.

cOUNteR-teRRORISM aNd SecURItyTo successfully combat terrorism and improve safety and security.

ORgaNISed cRIMINaL NetwORkS To develop our understanding of criminal networks and reduce the harm they cause to London.

capItaL cIty pOLIcINgTo secure the safety of our transport network and the Olympic Games, while ensuring the resilience to deal with major incidents.

INFORMatION qUaLItyTo ensure that our staff, partners and the community have the information they need, when they need it.

cItIzeN FOcUSTo position what the public wants at the heart of what we do.

tOgetheRTo improve the quality of leadership training our workforce receives.

WHAT WE’RE ABOUTOUR vaLUeS


Our values shape the experience of working for the MpS. built around our belief that we are one team and that we all have a duty to play our part in making London safer, they state that – working together with all our citizens, all our partners and all our colleagues:

we will be proud to deliver quality policingThis means putting the needs of individuals and communities first, being helpful and attentive and making the best use of our resources.

we will build trust by listening and respondingThis means being accessible and approachable, building relationships, and encouraging others to challenge and get involved.

we will respect and support each other and work as a teamThis means working to bring people together, trusting and valuing the contribution everyone makes.

we will learn from experience and find ways to be even betterThis means being prepared to do things differently, challenging how we work, and sharing experiences and ideas.

WHAT WE’RE ABOUTOUR back-Up aNd StRUctURe


the scope, importance and nature of our work can sometimes make it hard to see the bigger picture. that’s why, since july 2000, we have had the support of the Metropolitan police authority (Mpa) – an independent body set up to oversee what we do and ensure that we’re working as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Part of the Greater London Authority, the MPA forms a crucial link between the MPS and the Mayor, making sure that, now more than ever before, we are in tune with the needs of the people of London. Because not only does it provide Londoners with a process of democratic accountability for policing, it also uses public consultations to identify the views and concerns that play such an important role in setting and monitoring our priorities, targets and performance.

Find out more about the MPA and its work by visiting www.mpa.gov.uk

Our structure Given the nature of the city we police, it should come as no surprise that ours is a large and complex organisation. That’s why we have a very clear structure, enabling us to deliver a service as efficiently and effectively as possible.

WHAT ROLES WE OFFERpOLIce cOMMUNIty SUppORt OFFIceRS (pcSOs)


police community support officers are a pivotal part of modern policing. providing a visible policing presence throughout London, our pcSOs have been helping to create Safer Neighbourhoods everywhere from park Lane to pinner since 2002.

PCSOs don’t have powers of arrest, but by performing such duties as gathering intelligence and carrying out security patrols, they not only act to deter crime and antisocial behaviour in their area, they also enable regular police officers to make more effective use of their specialist skills and training. More importantly, they are the key to how we interact and engage with the public, talking with and listening to people on the streets and providing a visible link to the local community.

Find out more by visiting www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/pcso

WHAT ROLES WE OFFERSpecIaL cONStabLeS


Special constables have the same powers as regular officers, wear the same uniform and get involved in all the same aspects of policing London. the only real difference is that ‘Specials’ are unpaid volunteers who give a minimum of 300 hours per year to the role.

Specials are ordinary people who choose to do something extraordinary and make a real difference to London. You’ll receive full training to carry out your duties and may be able to get support from your current employer through the Employer Supported Policing (ESP) programme. You will also be entitled to free travel on London Underground, London Buses, DLR and Croydon Tramlink.

Find out more by visiting www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/specials

WHAT ROLES WE OFFERexpeRIeNced OFFIceRS


whether you have taken a break from policing and are now considering a return to duty, or you’re currently serving with another police force, we can expose you to professional challenges you’ll find nowhere else. we offer a unique range of roles and responsibilities to get your teeth into, with plenty of opportunities to make a difference on a major scale. we can also promise better pay (around £6,000 a year on top of national police pay scales), more support and, thanks to our size and diversity, more promotion opportunities than any other police force in the Uk.

Anyone can apply to transfer to or rejoin the MPS so long as they have completed their probationary period with a UK-based police force and haven’t been away from policing for more than four years. If you are thinking of joining us from a non-Home Office force, the conditions of your transfer and training requirements will vary according to where you’re coming from.

Find out more by visiting www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/transfers

WHAT ROLES WE OFFERNew cONStabLeS


policing London is a unique job with unique demands, responsibilities and rewards. It’s not easy, but it’s guaranteed to give you skills and experience you wouldn’t find anywhere else. as an MpS police officer, you will operate on the front line, upholding the law, supporting victims and witnesses, providing reassurance and instilling confidence in the communities you serve.

We provide what is widely regarded as one of the best police officer training programmes in the world. Covering the full spectrum of police work, it will teach you all about things like basic law, police procedures, physical fitness, people skills and emergency life-saving techniques.

We offer salaries well above the national level; an excellent benefits package (including free rail, tube, bus and Docklands Light Railway travel within a 70-mile radius of London) and the kind of career prospects you’d expect from such a large and diverse employer.

Find out more by visiting www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/newconstable

WHAT ROLES WE OFFERpOLIce StaFF


behind our uniformed presence, there is a team of more than 14,000 people providing the organisational capability we need to deliver an effective police service.

Known collectively as police staff, they are the people who assist visitors in police stations, deal with 999 calls, prepare case papers for prosecution, recruit and train our officers, facilitate the technology we use, maintain our buildings and so on. In fact, they carry out more than 200 different roles, making vital contributions at every level of every department. As a police service we just wouldn’t exist without them.

All police staff enjoy the kind of excellent rewards and opportunities for career progression that you’d expect from London’s largest employer, with access to the support and training they need to achieve their career goals.

Find out more by visiting www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/policestaff

WHAT ROLES WE OFFERMet vOLUNteeRS


the Met volunteer programme (Mvp) scheme was established in 2001 and operates throughout London’s 32 boroughs. It gives you the chance to make a valuable contribution to the safety and security of your community and also enhances the tasks that MpS officers and staff are trained to do.

Currently volunteers support the MPS in areas such as:

• Safer Neighbourhoods teams

• assisting at front counters

• general administration

• press Office support

• Neighbourhood watch support

• Special constabulary and police cadets support

We attract volunteers from all kinds of backgrounds - from full-time workers to the unemployed, from school leavers to the retired. If you have a few hours to devote to helping your community each week, the MVP may be just the opportunity for you.

Find out more by visiting www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/volunteers

WHAT YOU nEED TO KnOW eqUaL OppORtUNItIeS


the MpS seeks to employ a workforce which reflects the diversity of backgrounds and cultures within which we operate and to provide a working environment free from any form of harassment, intimidation, bullying, victimisation or unjustifiable discrimination.

We shall treat individuals openly and fairly with dignity and respect. We shall value their contribution towards providing a quality service to the people of London. All members of the Service will demonstrate their commitment to these principles and will challenge behaviour which is unacceptable in particular on the grounds of gender, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation or marital status. We shall ensure that our policies and procedures reflect these principles.

WHAT YOU nEED TO KnOW NatIONaLIty & ReSIdeNcy cRIteRIa


contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be british to join the MpS. In fact, you can be of any nationality as long as you’ve been resident in the Uk for at least the three years immediately prior to applying. In addition, specific visa and leave to remain criteria must be met, depending on the area of the MpS you wish to join.

police officers, police transfers and re-joiners, and special constablesCandidates for these roles, who are neither a member of the European Economic Area (EEA) or a Swiss national, are required to have leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period. Such applicants must reside in the UK free of restrictions or have an entitlement to do so. Although Bulgaria and Romania are members of the EEA, their citizens are not automatically entitled to remain in the United Kingdom. Therefore citizens from Bulgaria and Romania are also required to have leave to enter and leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period.

Other rolesAny applicant for other roles within the MPS who is not a British Citizen, or a member of the EEA, must have a visa entitlement to live and work in the UK for a period of time sufficient to recoup the recruitment and training costs for the role. The timescales are as follows:

police staff in administrative roles – Candidates must have 1.5 years left to run on their visa at the point of application.

police community support officers and police staff in communication officer and other specialist roles requiring extensive training (including dedicated detention officers) - Candidates must have 2.5 years left to run on their visa at the point of application.

If a candidate has not resided in the United Kingdom for the three years prior to submitting an application, the application cannot be accepted. The only exceptions are for British military personnel serving abroad, ie Army, navy and Royal Air Force, Foreign & Commonwealth Office and police officer transfers, providing they meet the re-joiners criteria.

WHAT YOU nEED TO KnOW age cRIteRIa


In keeping with the employment equality (age) Regulations 2006, we encourage applications from people between the following ages:

police community support officers18–62½ years old

Special constables 18–57 years old

New constables and experienced officers18–57 years old

police staff16–63½ years old (18–63½ for roles involving shift work)

volunteers 18+

WHAT YOU nEED TO KnOW yOUR chaRacteR


all employees of the MpS, whether they wear a uniform or not, are in a position of responsibility and trust. as such they should be law-abiding citizens with proven integrity. If you have previously been convicted of a criminal offence or had involvement with the police your suitability will be subject to careful consideration.

We also have a policy of prohibiting any of our officers, staff and volunteers from becoming members of the BnP or similar organisations whose aims or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality.

WHAT YOU nEED TO KnOW tattOOS


as a candidate for employment with the Metropolitan police Service you should present a professional image, and be sensitive to the impression you will make on members of the public. anyone who has a tattoo which could be construed as offensive to any religion or belief, or is in any way discriminatory, violent or intimidating, will not be accepted to join the MpS. this is irrespective of wherever the tattoo appears on your body. any tattoos on the face or visible above the collar are not acceptable if you wish to apply for a uniform role.

As part of the application process you will be required to supply a photograph/s of any tattoo/s you have and a decision will be made as to whether the tattoo/s complies with our Dress Code. If the tattoo/s is considered unacceptable then your application will be rejected.

WHAT YOU nEED TO KnOW StaFF SUppORt aSSOcIatIONS


whatever your background, interest or religious belief, we have a number of Staff Support associations that provide invaluable specialist support and advice. we work with a comprehensive range of associations to ensure their members views and needs are properly represented and reflected by the MpS.

Our relationship with each Association is an essential part of our determination to identify and breakdown any barriers that might exist in the way we attract, motivate, develop and retain our staff. They help us in our commitment to becoming fully representative of the diverse communities we serve and provide a police service that London deserves.

association of Muslim policeassociation of Senior Female police Staffassociation of Senior women Officersbritish association for women in policingcatholic police guildchristian police association London branchgay police associationjewish police associationMetropolitan black police associationMetropolitan police disabled Staff associationMetropolitan police greek Staff associationMetropolitan police hindu associationMetropolitan police Ibero-american association Metropolitan police Service chinese and South east asian Staff associationMetropolitan police Service emerald SocietyMetropolitan police Sikh association Metropolitan police turkish & turkish cypriot Staff associationpolice anglo Italian Staff association police Superintendents’ associationtranssexual Support group

WHAT TO DO nExT I waNt tO kNOw MORe


your first stop should be our website:

www.metpolicecareers.co.ukyou can also talk to a member of our recruitment team by calling our Recruitment helpline on 0845 727 2212, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm.

WHAT TO DO nExT I waNt tO appLy


If you think you are ready to join the MpS in one of our many roles, we invite you to apply by completing the relevant application form from our website.

Visit our website, find the role you’re interested in and follow the links to apply and find out about our selection processes.

www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

WHAT TO DO nExT appLIcatION gUIdaNce NOteS


we’ve produced detailed guidance notes about the application and selection processes for eachspecific role.

Visit our website, find the role you’re interested in and follow the links to download the relevant guidance notes and find out about our selection processes.

www.metpolicecareers.co.uk

Updated January 2012

what we’re about - careers | the met · find out more by visiting . ... you are thinking of...

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