Met Police Rally Retired Officers Back to the Beat!
Just over two weeks after Commissioner Cressida Dick’s urgent call, ten veteran officers with a whopping 250 years of combined experience have officially returned to the Met today.
Old Hands Back on London Streets
Among the recruits is PC Stuart Hepburn, 53, who retired in 2017 after 30 years on the force. Starting as a fresh-faced bobby on the beat in 1987, Hepburn’s career saw him protect iconic central London sites with the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection team.
Now, he’s back responding to emergency calls in the busy boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Westminster — including Oxford Street, his very first patrol area.
“I had no doubts about returning to help my colleagues and serve London once again. I felt I couldn’t sit at home and watch, I wanted to help, so I applied straight away,” said Hepburn. “I’m looking forward to seeing old colleagues again and the camaraderie that comes with the ‘job’ that is really like no other.”
Detective Sergeant Returns to the Frontline
Joining Hepburn is Detective Sergeant Andrew Yeoman, 48, who retired last year after 27 years. Starting as a constable in Ilford in 1991, Yeoman later trained as a detective, working with high-profile units like the Homicide Task Force and the Flying Squad. He even spent time with the National Crime Agency.
He’s back in the East Basic Command Unit tackling crime across Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, and Havering.
“I just felt I had to come back and help because that is what I joined to do all those years ago. The process of returning has been quick and I am looking forward to the challenge and the rewards that come with policing in London all over again,” Yeoman explained.
More Recruits on the Way to Boost the Met
The Met is moving fast to bring back former officers. A second group of 17 is starting training at Hendon today and will soon hit the streets.
Additionally, over 50 former officers have applied to rejoin the Special Constabulary, committing at least 16 hours a week, while more than 300 people have signed up to volunteer with the Met.
The force urges any other ex-officers keen to return to fill out a simple online form to speed up their comeback. Commissioner Dick has also asked current officers nearing 30 years’ service to delay retirement and stay on.
Commissioner Cressida Dick’s Message
“It is wonderful to see the first of our former colleagues joining us this week. Their valuable skills and experience are helping 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,” said Dick.
“I am very grateful to all of them for not hesitating to come back and not surprised they still hold strong the same desire to help people and keep people safe as the very first day they joined. I have no doubt they will join their colleagues in displaying the best of British policing values at this challenging time for us all.”
