Mp Calls For Change In Police Recruitment (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Mp Calls For Change In Police Recruitment

9:30am Wednesday 10th January 2001

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January 10, 2001 16:40: MP Andrew Dismore is calling for a change to rules on whether ethnic minorities qualify to join the Metropolitan police force.

Mr Dismore made the request to Home Secretary Jack Straw during Home Office Questions, on Monday.

The Hendon MP said: "I believe it's time for the Home Office to look at the rules relating to those wishing to join the police. At present anyone who is not a citizen of the UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth, is potentially excluded.

"In London this means that 13 per cent more than 250,000 people of the working age population are not eligible to join the police force," said Mr Dismore.

He added. "I believe it's likely there would be, among such a large number of Londoners, many who would like to join the force and be suitable.

"I certainly think we should open up recruitment to those who have lived in London for some time, subject to the same criteria as other applicants for the police."

Chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, Glen Smyth, told The Times Group: "I don't share Mr Dismore's view at all.

"He's failing to deal with the issue here which is that there's a distinct lack of interest in the police force due to the poor pay and conditions we have to endure.

"If he knew more about the subject he wouldn't ask such silly questions.

"He hasn't mentioned the importance of pay increases at all so I think it's insulting if he's expecting officers from abroad to be happy with current third class rates of pay when we are not."

SARAH MILLS

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