Met Police criticised for senior management advert saying recruits don't have to 'start at the bottom' like PCs

Rank-and-file police officers have condemned an advertising campaign by London’s Metropolitan Police that suggested job applicants could enter the force’s higher echelons without having to “start at the bottom”.

The “Lead Beyond” campaign, fronted by the College of Policing, offers recruits from outside policing the chance to become a senior officer in a so-called direct entry (DE) scheme.

It includes two different programmes – one for aspiring superintendents and a direct-entry inspector track. An advert for a new superintendent promises rapid promotion in 18 months, stating: “You’ll be working within the top 1 per cent of officers in the police service”.

The inspector role will be be filled by a “forward-thinking, creative leader” likely “from a completely different background to policing”.

The offending advert was posted to the force’s Instagram account using text from the campaign’s dedicated website. It read: “Are you looking for a career change? Want to use your leadership skills for good? Searching for a varied and exciting career where you don’t have to start at the bottom?”

Both the post and original text have since been deleted.

Serving and former officers said on social media that the wording of the poster was “disgusting” and demonstrated a “total lack of respect”.

John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation, said: “Really disappointing to see this and sends completely the wrong message. I started ‘at the bottom’ and am very proud I did. I would suggest a very quick rethink.”

Sergeant Ben Forbes, based in Essex, said: “Completely not the way Mike Cunningham, who heads the scheme, would promote the DE programme, especially in the talks I’ve heard. A rethink needs to happen.”

Retired officer Ian Campbell added: “This heightens the divisions between DE and those already at the coal face and demonstrates a total lack of respect.”

Ian James-Bailey, another former officer, called the poster “incredibly insulting”. He added: “Whoever drew this up needs to be ‘posted’ back to the coalface of borough for some ideological perspective.”

Ken Marsh, head of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “That is disgusting. To me this just sums up why we are in the position we’re in in relation to recruitment. One of the unique things about the police is that everyone starts at the same level. You start at the same level and you learn at the same level.”

Chief Constable Mike Cunningham, of the College of Policing, said: “The DE advert has caused huge offence to many great people doing a great job. I unreservedly apologise for that. I have had the advert taken down and shall be making enquires today to understand how it was posted in order that it won’t happen again.”

A Met spokeswoman said: “This post supporting the College of Policing campaign has been removed and if it caused any offence to the dedicated officers and staff of the MPS we apologise.

“The Met’s workforce is recognised worldwide for both their professionalism and courage. Managers and officers of all rank value and take pride in those who are at the frontline of policing, their hard work and courage helps to keep London safe.”

Additional reporting by SWNS