He pointed out that a recruitment strategy agreed 18 months ago had put the focus on PCSOs, specials and graduates.
But he suggested that university leavers had not been addressed in the same way as the other groups. “We want to make sure the portal is open in future,” the Commissioner said.
Commissioner Hogan-Howe, who appeared alongside London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing Kit Maltmouse, was speaking as Assembly members debated a £90 million one-off grant from the Home Office to bolster officer numbers.
A Met recruitment drive has seen existing PCSOs and special constables convert to become fully warranted officers along with 160 transferees from other forces. It is anticipated that the Force will have around 33,220 officers in the ranks by March this year.
Commissioner Hogan-Howe suggested the Force was planning for officer numbers to be lower this time in 2013 – as people left retired and left the Force.
Some Assembly members voiced concern that the Home Office grant could been seen as a political gesture, particularly as other forces were having to cut numbers.
But Mr Malthouse stressed that cash from Central Government frequently awarded cash for all kinds of reasons – he also emphasised that London was a special case.
He pointed out that the Capital this year had to contend with the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as well as the potential for further serious disorder.
|
