Retired Southwark coppers could be soon back on the beat after the Met issued an appeal for ex-bobbies to return to the force today.
Amid the unprecendented coronavirus crisis, the Met’s top boss Cressida Dick has asked all cops who retired within the last five years to return to Scotland Yard, either on a voluntary or paid basis.
It comes after the NHS asked retired nurses to rejoin the service to help cope during the pandemic.
Officers who are currently approaching retirement are also being asked to stay on during this time of national crisis.
Top cop Cressida Dick said the move was necessary to make sure police can continue tackling crime.
Southwark’s borough commander Ch. Supt Colin Wingrove last week sought to reassure residents that local officers would work around the clock to keep us safe.
“On behalf of London, and all the men and women of the Met, it is important that we take all reasonable steps to bolster our numbers,” said Commissioner Dick.
“Demands on us will grow and vary over the coming weeks but I want people to know and see that the Met is here for them.
“We must maintain our operational resilience and continue to provide the best possible service to London.”
She urged officers who did not feel they could fully return to the service to become a special constable instead.
Retired officers can apply today online through the following link here.