The Metropolitan Police & London Ambulance Service have asked leavers to return to the services to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Met Commissioner, Cressida Dick, is writing to all former Met officers who retired within the last five years, to ask them to re-join the Met either in a paid or voluntary capacity.
A spokesperson for the Met Police said:
“We are pleased that the Home Office have confirmed today that they intend to make changes to the tax and pension arrangements so that more officers are likely to respond to this call.
“We look forward to receiving full details and confirmation that the added costs will be met by Government so that we can communicate clearly to those affected.
“The return and retention of officers with valuable skills and experience will help to increase the Met’s resilience and allow us to be even more flexible in providing the best service we can to London during this unprecedented time, as the country – and the Capital – responds to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
“At this time the Met is asking all officers who retired from the Met as police constables or sergeants within the last five years to re-join at those ranks, either on a full or part-time basis.
“Senior officers may also be able to re-join where they bring specific skills and experience.
“Those officers who feel that returning or extending their service is not right for them at the moment, or who retired at the rank of inspector or above, are also being asked to consider being sworn in as members of our Special Constabulary and committing to at least 16 hours a month.
“Alternatively, they can volunteer in a number of other capacities.
“Those wishing to apply to return will be asked to complete a simple online form to ensure the process is as fast as possible, supported by a serving MPS officer acting as a sponsor.
“The process has been streamlined to mean re-joiners can quickly return to the streets of London.
“In addition, the Commissioner is asking serving Met officers who are nearing 30 years’ pensionable service, to delay their retirement and stay as a member of the Met”.
Met Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said:
“On behalf of London, and all the men and women of the Met, it is important that we take all reasonable steps to bolster our numbers.
“Demands on us will grow and vary over the coming weeks, but I want people to know and see that the Met is here for them.
“We must maintain our operational resilience and continue to provide the best possible service to London.
“Police officers overwhelmingly join ‘the job’ to help people and to make a difference, and that desire will be as strong today as it was the very first day they joined.
“I am hopeful that these exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable former colleagues choose to come and be part of our team and support London at this extraordinary time – either as a re-employed police officer, special constable or a volunteer.”
Met Officers returning will go through a fast-track medical assessment and will also be re-vetted. Essential training will also be delivered.
The London Ambulance Service has also asked for former members to return to the service.
A spokesperson for the LAS said:
“We are asking former members of our team to consider returning, if they can, to support us in helping Londoners in need.
“We’re particularly keen to hear from former 111 and 999 control room team staff”.
Retired Met Officers can follow this link:
Retired LAS staff can follow this link:
https://www.londonambulance.nhs.uk/working-for-us/volunteering-with-us/volunteer-form/
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