Met Police Celebrate Largest Apprenticeship Passing Out Parade in Years
More than 350 new Met recruits, including the first-ever apprenticeship programme cohort, proudly marched in front of family and friends at Hendon. It was the second in-person passing out parade since the pandemic paused ceremonies for over a year.
Apprentices and Experienced Trainees Take the Oath
Among the graduates were 185 apprentice PCs and DCs who began their dual university and on-the-job training this January. They have now earned independent patrol status. Another 183 students from previous delayed cohorts also took part, making this event a massive milestone for the Met.
The day was marked with music from the British Imperial Military Band and 17 awards handed out to outstanding recruits. Each recruit brought two personal guests to witness the momentous occasion.
Dame Cressida Dick Highlighting Diversity and Opportunity
“I’m delighted to celebrate the achievements of hundreds of recruits alongside their families. I commend them for choosing a career in policing and wish them the very best,” said Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.
“We’ve committed to bold steps to build a workforce that reflects London’s diverse communities. More people, especially from under-represented groups, should apply. It’s a great, rewarding job with a real chance to make a difference.”
The apprenticeship group alone boasts 137 trainee PCs — over half female and 35% from under-represented backgrounds — plus 50 trainee DCs with 53% female and 12% from under-represented groups.
From Prison Officer to Police Officer: A Dream Comes True
Among the new cops is 30-year-old PC Anushka Navaratne Mudiyanselage, a former prison officer.
“Joining the Met was a long-term goal. It’s an honour to serve as a police officer and pass out in front of the Commissioner and my friends,” he said. “Since coming to England from Sri Lanka at 16, I’ve dreamed of giving back to society and helping London’s communities.”
Recruitment Drive Focuses on Inclusion and Breaking Barriers
The parade comes as the Met launches a fresh recruitment campaign highlighting real stories from officers of diverse backgrounds — including a black, gay male officer and a senior detective who is also a working mother. Their tales tackle fears about prejudice and inflexible working hours, particularly for women, aiming to inspire more applicants from under-represented groups.
Currently, the Met has over 5,000 officers from under-represented groups, with 450 joining in the last financial year alone. Dame Cressida Dick has set a target for 40% of all new recruits from April 2022 to be from these groups, pushing for an even more representative police force.
Want in on the action? Find out how to start your police career at www.met.police.uk/careers.
Met Workforce Stats at a Glance
- 65% increase in officers from under-represented groups over the last decade — from 3,091 in March 2011 to 5,086 in March 2021.
- 2,438 people joined as officers between April 2020 and March 2021; 2,229 were new to policing.
- 7% (884) of new officers are women, with 33% of those from under-represented groups.
- Women make up 28.5% of all Met officers — 9,265 in total as of March 2021.
