03/05/2024
I’ve been asked by Metropolitan Police Service to facilitate the community inputs during this month’s ‘Passing Out’ week, which will see over 148 police recruits attend Hendon for the final stage of their initial training. This falls on week 30 of their journey.
The newest officers have completed eight week of ‘street duties’ where they have been putting their learnt theory in to practice with the support of experienced officers on
their allocated Basic Command Unit (BCU), and have been signed off as suitable for Independent Patrol. Today they celebrate this milestone achievement through a passing out parade.
The timing of the community inputs and facilitated reflective discussions at the start of this week ensures the recruits have enough operational exposure to consider how the lived experiences of the community, relate to their policing experiences to date.
More importantly, this formal period of reflection provides an opportunity for the newest officers to hear the voice of the community and to reflect upon how their individual actions may have a positive or negative impact on the experience of the communities they will serve. It’s vital that police officers understand the historical and cultural events, experiences and beliefs that have shaped London’s communities and the way in which they view the police.
We heard from
Ada Ibezi, “Domestic Abuse”
Lisa Squire “Bereaved Parent”
Emma Cooper “County Lines”
Nina Aouilk “Honour Based Killing”
Jason “Stop and Search”
Lee Lawrence "Injustice to Restorative Justice"
As a community facilitator, it is a hugely vital and valued role in directly impacting the way the newest officers consider how they provide the best possible service effectively, equitably and fairly, as part of wider reforms within the Met Police to renew policing by consent – delivering More Trust, Less Crime and High Standards.
I would like to wish all the new recruits the best of luck in their new role, to stay safe and serve the community.
