Metropolitan Police recruits saluting during a passing out parade (PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)Met Police incoming Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens appears to be putting an emphasis on officers’ presentation, in a bid to improve perceptions.
She tweeted a photo of her new purchases – a pair of smart shoes and hair bun nets – as she commented: “Standards matter in my view as they link directly to how the public see us.”
A quick follow-up tweet noted her awareness of other priorities: “I know there are other basics to get right too (responding well, investigating thoroughly, supporting victims … the list is long)”
Public perceptions have been dipping, according to City Hall figures published earlier this year. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime survey of Londoners, covering the period until March 2022, shows that just 57 per cent of Londoners believe the Met can be relied upon to be there when needed. Meanwhile, 62 per cent of Londoners believe the Met treats everyone fairly. Both figures are the lowest since the first survey was first published in 2014.
There are a number of incoming appointments at the top of the Met who will be looking to improve the force’s image. Effective policing and uniform standards go together, according to Dame Lynne, who said: “I honestly believe the two are connected.”
“Being clear on the uniform standard & sticking to it should be simple,” she added.
Will smarter uniforms help restore trust in the Met? Let us know in the comments below for the chance to be featured on the ES website.
