Met Police Hits Record High for Women Officers
The Metropolitan Police Service has smashed records with women now making up 30.4% of its officer ranks – that’s 10,386 female officers as of September 2022. This marks the highest female representation in the Met’s history, climbing steadily over the last decade. The force aims to boost this figure to 33% by 2023/24.
Nearly Half of New Recruits Are Women
From April 2022, women accounted for 44.5% of all new recruits – that’s 746 out of 1,678 officers joining the Met. The aim? To reach a staggering 50% female intake. This push for diversity goes hand-in-hand with the Met’s overall growth, with 34,112 police officers now on the force – the largest ever.
Diversity Drive Accelerates Across the Board
Black, Asian, and multiple ethnic heritage communities make up 16.6% of officers (5,676), including 1,215 Black officers (3.6%). The Met’s outreach teams are working hard across London to attract even more diverse candidates. Last Friday, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley joined London Mayor Sadiq Khan at a recruitment event in Stratford to champion the cause.
Sir Mark Rowley, Met Commissioner: “Diverse teams aren’t just fair, they’re essential to tackling the complex challenges we face. Our record female numbers are fantastic progress, but we’re equally focused on boosting representation from Black and ethnic minority communities. I urge anyone interested to visit our outreach events and consider a career in the Met.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan: “With nearly one in three officers now women, we’ve taken a huge step forward. But to rebuild trust and better serve London, we need a force that truly reflects our city. I encourage Londoners—especially underrepresented groups—to join the Met and help make our city safer for all.”
From Lecturers to Athletes: Women at Every Level
Women now fill roles across all ranks—from emergency responders to armed officers, from investigators tackling organised crime to specialists supporting victims of abuse. The Met offers flexible working options, including part-time roles from day one—a first in UK policing—which attract a high percentage of female applicants.
The PCDA apprenticeship programme also welcomes women with open arms. It pays a full officer salary while funding a degree. Its first 150 recruits included a teacher assistant, former prison officer, and athlete, with 51% female and 29% from ethnic minorities.
Support and Flexibility to Keep Women in Policing
The Met provides extensive maternity benefits, diverse support networks, and initiatives covering baby loss, adoption, breast cancer, and menopause. New parents get dedicated case managers, coaching, and 24/7 support apps. Disability and carers’ passports enhance workplace flexibility further.
The Future Looks Bright
Latest Home Office stats show 15,343 officers hired nationwide under the Police Uplift Programme. The Met will keep growing with government and Mayoral funding through 2023.
Fancy joining London’s most diverse police force yet? Find out more at www.met.police.uk/car/careers.
