Metropolitan Police Service

Change needs you: careers with the Metropolitan Police

We’re the UK’s largest police service, with more than 46,000 officers and staff.

We serve more than eight million people across one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse cities. Our work includes tackling international terrorism, Safer Neighbourhood policing and everything in between.

We’re working with London’s communities and our own people to reset our values, change our culture and improve the way we work.

We can only operate with the support and trust of the people we serve. That includes you. We need all kinds of people from every community to help us. Join us and you’ll help reduce crime, build trust and keep Londoners safe – everywhere from the capital’s most famous landmarks to the end of your road.

We can’t promise change overnight. But with your help, it will happen.

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The Met at a glance 

The Met needs people from many different disciplines and with a whole host of skills. We’re made up of five operational groups.

  • Frontline Policing
  • Met Operations
  • Specialist Operations
  • Professionalism
  • Trust and Legitimacy

Behind these are other vital functions that provide strategic support, including Data, Digital & Technology, Communications & Engagement, People & Resources, Strategy & Governance, Legal & Commercial and Finance.

Our Principles  

Communities-first

We will prioritise the Londoners we serve in everything we do. We will listen to communities and work with them to solve problems.

Frontline-focussed 

We will prioritise officers and staff who work directly with the public, so they have what they need to provide the best service to Londoners.

Inclusive

We will be anti-discriminatory. We will work to understand diverse perspectives and treat people according to their needs. We will create a workplace where everyone can thrive and is accessible and inclusive to all.

Collaborative

We recognise policing in London is at its best when the diverse communities we serve help us shape our response and the impact we have. We will take every opportunity to work with partners and our colleagues; to listen, reflect, learn and act.

Precise

We recognise policing in London is at its best when the diverse communities we serve help us shape our response and the impact we have. We will take every opportunity to work with partners and our colleagues; to listen, reflect, learn and act.

Do a job that uses all your skills, not just your qualifications

At the Met, we’ve promised to change. And with your skills, we will.
In return we will train you, offer you real career paths, and support you as you do work that really matters.

Can you defuse a tense situation, comfort a victim of crime or spot a suspect in a crowd? All in the same day? There are few other roles that test you like police work.

Be part of the fabric of London life – there when and where it matters

We’re there for most of the major events in the capital, from Wimbledon to the Notting Hill Carnival. Our officers patrol every street, from Buckingham Palace to Balham.

Grow in a career that’s unlike any other

Working in the Metropolitan Police isn’t easy. But this is a career with meaning, where you can make a real difference to people every day. You’ll find opportunities to grow, learn and develop at every stage.

A New Met for London – our two-year plan for change

A New Met for London is our two-year plan on how the Met will deliver more trust, less crime, and high standards. It’s the product of more than 10,000 conversations with Londoners, our people, and partners from across the city.

We want to make sure that communities know their local officers and can help to shape policing priorities. We want to work with communities to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour. When victims call us for help, we want to make sure they’re satisfied with our response. The plan has three parts:

See the plan in full

Benefits at Metropolitan Police Service

List of all the benefits that Metropolitan Police Service are offering their employees. Benefits may vary depending on role, location and length of service.

  • Competitive Salaries: Includes London weighting and location allowances.
  • Private Healthcare: Eligibility for membership in schemes like Police Mutual.
  • Metfriendly: Access to the Metfriendly financial services network, offering bespoke savings, investments, and protection products exclusively for the police family.
  • Pension Schemes: Staff can join the Alpha or Partnership Civil Service pension schemes or Police Pension Schemes (depending on role), featuring guaranteed benefits and employer contributions.
  • Flexible Working: Opportunities for part-time, job sharing, and adaptable shift patterns.
  • Sports & Social Clubs: Heavily subsidised or free access to club facilities, activities, and sports events for employees and their families.
  • Annual Leave: Full-time staff typically start with 22–28 days of paid annual leave, increasing to 30–33 days after five years of continuous service (plus public/bank holidays).
  • TFL Travel: Access to free or heavily subsidized travel on Transport for London services, including the Tube, buses, and Overground, depending on an officer's residential proximity to London.
  • Occupational Health: In-house services including physiotherapy, trauma support, mental health counseling, and financial guidance.
  • Blue Light Card: Eligibility for the national Blue Light Card, securing retail, dining, and lifestyle discounts.
  • Retail & Lifestyle: Access to dedicated internal discount sites providing money off at high street shops, supermarkets, and gyms.
  • Family Leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave packages.

What our people say

Awards & accreditations

Security, Defence, Law Enforcement Metropolitan Police Service