Direct entry superintendent applications encouraging

More than 400 people have registered for the opportunity to join the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) direct entry programme as a superintendent.

The MPS is recruiting between five and ten leaders with successful careers at a senior level in other professions or sectors.

Of the 421 people who have registered an interest so far, most have managerial and professional experience and a quarter are from a black or ethnic minority background.

The programme aims to bring existing exceptional leaders into the police service so their experiences and backgrounds enrich the MPS culture.

Tom Winsor’s Review of Police Officers` and Staff Remuneration and Conditions set out proposals to allow direct entry at the rank of superintendent and, after a public consultation, the Government commissioned the College of Policing to design and develop the programme on behalf of the police service.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary, British Transport Police, City of London Police, the MPS, North Yorkshire Police, Sussex Police and West Yorkshire Police are all recruiting in this first year of the programme.

Candidates will go through a rigorous application and assessment process so that only the most able are selected. It is anticipated they will take up post in November 2014 and undergo 18 months of training tailored to their personal development needs but also learning to simulate real-life police operations and on-the-job learning with supportive supervision.

The commissioner of the MPS, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: “We need to ensure our leaders have the widest possible range of skills and knowledge and I believe this first cadre of direct entry superintendents will help us transform the MPS for the better.

“Policing is a challenging but very rewarding career and I`m sure that those who join us through this new initiative will get back every bit as much as they are able to give to the police service and the public of London.”

Policing Minister Damian Green said the future success of the police is dependent on attracting the best and brightest to careers in the service.

“I am encouraged to see the level of response and quality of applicants the Metropolitan Police have received so far. I look forward to seeing this standard replicated in other force areas which have signed up to superintendent direct entry schemes,” he said.

“Successful applicants will receive world-class training from the College of Policing and will bring a fresh perspective and approach, opening up policing culture which will benefit their colleagues and the public.”

Prospective candidates can still register their interest at:

www.metpolicecareers.co.uk/superintendents with a view to uploading CVs at the beginning of June and completing an online assessment.