Scotland Yard recruitment ad branded 'insulting' over claim new recruits 'won't start at the bottom'

A Scotland Yard recruitment advert for the force's newest detectives has been pulled following complaints over an "insulting" claim that new recruits "don't have to start at the bottom".

The ad, which appeared on Instagram, promoted a pilot scheme where graduates complete a 12-week fast-track course to become trainee detective constables.

However, it was removed just several hours after it was shared after police officers vented their fury at the "poorly judged" wording on the job posting.

Containing a total of three spelling mistakes, the social media post informed prospective candidates that the direct entry programme "allows you to start your policing career as an inspector or superintendant by utlising the skills you already have."

Several officers had complained about the first part of the advertisement which stated that entrants "don't have to start at the bottom."

It said: "Are you looking for a career change? Want to use your leadership skills for the greater good? Searching for a varied and and exciting career where you don't have to start at the bottom?"

Superintendent Roy Smith, who is based at New Scotland Yard, was among those angered by the job ad, as he posted: "I have to say without making a value judgement on the direct entry scheme, I'm not sure "where you don't start at the bottom" is the way I would describe the frontline PC's & DC'a who are the bedrock of the Met.

"Lots of direct entrants have brought new ideas to the Met but if we loose [sic] sight of the fact that the frontline officers & staff who may not hold a "rank" are the most important part of our organisation.

John Apter, chairman of the Police Federation, added: "It was an insulting , poorly judged advert with no understanding of policing. Understand it’s been removed which is the very least that should have happened."

The College of Policing's CEO Mike Cunningham apologised for the advert's bad phrasing and said he was investigating how it was posted onto social media.

He tweeted: "The direct entry 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 [sic] today to understand how it was posted in order that it won't happen again."

Metropolitan Police was unavailable when approached for comment.