A one-minute film showing the challenges and rewards of policing in London will broadcast across on-demand TV

A new ‘Change Needs You’ recruitment campaign is being launched by the Metropolitan Police today (Thursday).

Closely aligned to the Met’s plan for reform, ‘A New Met for London’, the campaign aims to recruit people who share the values that define a police officer: courage, empathy and respect – and attract those want to be part of driving the change happening in the Met right now.

The public will see the campaign on billboards, the London Underground and across social and digital platforms.

A one-minute film showing the challenges and rewards of policing in London will broadcast across on demand TV. It features 13 serving Met police constables with varied and interesting career and life stories who are in the campaign.

These include a former prison officer, a Big Brother finalist, a twin and former cabin crew who are now thriving and serving communities.

Former prison officer and bus driver PC Samson Akinnawo, 34, is a local neighbourhood officer in Romford. He has wanted to become a police officer since he was a child and joined in 2021.

PC Akinnawo said: “As I grew up every interaction I had with the police was positive. I always looked up to the officers – they were doing something beneficial and positive in my life, and I wanted to join and do the same for others.”

PC Akeem Griffiths, 32, responds to 999 calls across Lewisham. PC Griffiths graduated from Hendon Police Training School as the ‘top student’ in his intake. Prior to joining the Met Pc Griffiths designed and delivered customer service training. In 2018, he was a runner up in the popular TV reality show Big Brother.

PC Griffiths said: “I want to show people who may not know much about the Met, what our vision and values are. I think this is so important, as this may be the deciding factor that encourages people to join this amazing organisation.”

Leigha Ravalia, 24, joined the Met alongside her twin sister Ria four years ago. The sisters are both local neighbourhood officers in east London.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, said: “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we are working tirelessly to deliver the reform and transformation we know is needed both for Londoners and the tens of thousands of fantastic officers already serving in the Met.

“We need more people who share our values to come and join us and help drive that change, be the change. We want people who are passionate about bringing offenders to justice, protecting vulnerable people, engaging with communities and fighting crime alongside them.

“Policing is an inherently challenging but highly rewarding career that requires a certain person to step in, stop it and protect people when others won’t. If this sounds like you and you have the will and determination to join, we will provide you with the support and guidance necessary.

“Change needs people like you who are passionate about serving the community and making a lasting impact.”

For more information about the ‘Change Needs You’ campaign and how to join the Metropolitan Police Service:
Visit Met.Police.uk/careers

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