London’s Latest Recruits Shine at Long-Awaited Met Police Passing Out Parade
After a Covid delay, 379 new Met Police officers finally took to the parade ground at Hendon today. Alongside Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden, Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick watched as 327 fresh-faced constables and 52 detective constables marched in front of proud friends and family.
The recruits, who have now been training for around 18 months, were treated to a stirring performance by the British Imperial Military Band before exceptional individuals were handed awards in a heartfelt ceremony.
94-Year-Old Ex-Officer Cheers on Family
The event featured a special guest – 94-year-old Alan Fleming, a former Met officer who joined in 1948 and retired on this very day in 1987. Alan was thrilled to see his relative, Detective Constable Emily Ashford from Lambeth, proudly parade past. Alan also holds a British Empire Medal for services to athletics.
Leaders Praise New Police Generation – And Call for More Diversity
Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said: “I’m so pleased these officers finally got their moment in the spotlight, in front of their loved ones. They’re already out there serving Londoners with courage, professionalism and compassion. We want more people from London’s diverse communities to join – especially women and under-represented groups. Your unique skills matter.”
Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden added: “It’s fantastic to celebrate these new officers and their families. Thanks to record funding from the Mayor, London now has 1,300 extra officers on the streets tackling violence and keeping our parks and town centres safe. We’ll keep supporting the Met to ensure it stays a force that truly reflects the city it serves.”
New Officer Gina Bannerman: Making a Difference on London’s Streets
Among the newly minted police constables is 29-year-old Gina Bannerman, currently serving as a safer transport officer in Wandsworth. Inspired by a family history of policing—her great-grandfather was a police chief in Ghana—Gina emphasises the challenge and rewards of the job.
“I’ve loved every minute of my two years in the force. It can be tough, but helping just one person or family makes it all worthwhile. As a black woman in the Met, I’m determined to change misperceptions and build trust within communities. If you want change, you have to be the change,” Gina said.
Met Strives for a More Diverse, Representative Force
- Goal: From April 2022, 50% of new recruits to be women; 40% from under-represented groups.
- Progress: Last year, 52% of direct entry detectives were female, rising to 61.2% this year.
- Women now make up 35% of total Met workforce; 29% of sworn officers.
- The Met employs half of all Black, Asian, and multiple ethnic heritage officers in England and Wales—over 5,000 in total, including about 1,000 Black officers.
- Over 1,000 officers from under-represented groups recruited in last two years; 20.2% of new trainees in 2020/21 came from these groups.
- Outreach Recruitment Programme in every borough builds relationships and encourages more Londoners from diverse backgrounds to join.
- Campaign ‘Now More Than Ever’ features real-life ambassadors from under-represented groups and openly discusses recruitment challenges.
- Recent boost includes 40 new outreach workers, two-thirds from under-represented groups, to improve community engagement.
The Met is pushing hard to ensure its ranks reflect the bustling, diverse capital it protects. And with fresh wave after wave of dedicated new officers stepping forward, Londoners can breathe a little easier knowing courage and commitment are on patrol.
