To the sound of the Band of the RAF Regiment, 144 police officers took part in a passing out parade to signify the end of their training in an event open to the public for only the second time.
London Mayor Boris Johnson and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe were among relatives and members of the public who attended the parade at West Ham Football Club.
Although it is traditionally held at the Met’s Hendon Training School, this is the second time the parade has been held in a public place.
The break with tradition is part of the Met’s bid to open doors to it’s traditions and give members of the public the opportunity to take pride in their police service.
The parade featured the Band of the RAF Regiment and members of the MPS Mounted Branch . It also include the students swearing the Oath of Allegiance and addresses by the Mayor of London and the Met Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe.
MPS Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, said: “It’s a great pleasure to welcome these recruits into the Met as police constables as they begin their career serving Londoners and keeping the public safe.
“Their family and friends should be extremely proud of them all. The parade recognises their commitment and I wish them every success for the future.
“The idea for holding the parades in public originally came from Toronto and as a public police it makes sense to hold the parade from time to time for all to see.
“We should celebrate the students’ achievements and it’s a great opportunity for the London to take pride in the officers. “
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “This is a public celebration of an important moment in the story of policing in London when we welcome the latest class of police recruits to the ranks of the Met. I want to congratulate all these new police constables for completing their training - I wish them every success as they serve Londoners in the years ahead and thank their families for the support they have shown.
“These new officers are part of our plans to recruit thousands more officers to the Met in the coming years - the largest recruitment drive in the country - so we can continue to keep police numbers high and keep crime coming down.”
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