New recruitment campaign showcases high-stakes police work, encouraging more to join the force.

The Metropolitan Police has launched its first-ever TV recruitment advertisement, using a dramatic, cinematic approach to attract a new wave of recruits. The 30-second advertisement, which airs this week, presents a series of high-intensity scenes akin to those seen in popular crime dramas, with armed officers in tense situations and forensic teams working behind police cordons.

In a bid to resonate with viewers who enjoy thrilling police shows, the Met’s ad suggests that rather than simply watching the action unfold, potential recruits can become part of it by joining the force. The dramatic scenes highlight the diverse roles within the police force, particularly within its specialist units, including firearms and explosives officers, as well as marine police.

The Met Police aims to give a “realistic flavour” of the variety of activities that officers face on a daily basis, showcasing the challenges and responsibilities that come with police work. The advertisement is a key part of a broader recruitment push designed to bring in thousands of new constables over the next nine months.

In its effort to increase officer numbers, the Met Police has set a target of 36,500 officers by March 2023, an ambitious goal after the force reached its highest ever headcount of 35,000 officers by March 2022. To meet this target, the Met plans to recruit nearly 4,000 officers, doubling the usual yearly intake. To widen the pool of candidates, the force has temporarily lifted the requirement for applicants to have lived or studied in London, and it has introduced financial incentives to attract talent from across the UK.

Currently, 16.5% of full-time officers within the Met are of Black, Asian, or mixed ethnic heritage, while nearly 30% of its officers are women. This marks a significant step towards a more diverse and representative force.

The ad is part of a national recruitment campaign designed to bolster police forces across the country, aiming to inspire a new generation of officers who can meet the challenges of modern policing. With the dramatic styling of the advert, the Met hopes to capture the imagination of potential recruits, showing them that a career in the police is not only fulfilling but also filled with action and purpose.