Met asks former officers to return

The Metropolitan Police have called upon retired police officers to return to the force to help cope with the coronavirus outbreak in the capital.

Those who left the force in the past five years have been asked to return in either a voluntary or in a paid capacity. They have also asked those who are considering the retirement to remain on the force for the foreseeable.

Cressida Dick, the Met Commissioner said that: "Demands on us will grow and vary over the coming weeks but I want people to know and see the Met is here for them."

Dick will write to retired sergeants and police constables to join at their former rank, either on a full time or on a part time basis.

Statistics from the Home Office reveal that in the five years prior to March 2019, 5012 Metropolitan Police officers retired, not including those who did so on medical grounds.

As of last September, the force had a total of 31,000 officers.

The Met is also considering asking retired officers to sign on as special constables.

Dick continued: "Police officers overwhelmingly join 'the job' to help people and to make a difference, and that desire will be as strong today as it was the very first day they joined.

"I am hopeful that these exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable former colleagues choose to come and be part of our team and support London at this extraordinary time."

Those wishing to return to the force will complete a form and should be sponsored by a current Met officer.

The Met said that the were currently waiting to receive "confirmation that the added costs will be met by government".