RICHMOND upon Thames will be one of the first boroughs to benefit from a new police training programme aimed at widening the range of new recruits to the Met.
Previously, all new trainees joining the force had to take a residential course at the central training school in Hendon, but the Met has now opened a pilot non-residential training programme based in Sunbury.
And Richmond is one of three boroughs to receive the first intake of graduates from the pilot project, who passed out yesterday (Thursday) at the Imber Court police facility in East Molesey, near Hampton Court.
Chief Inspector Mark Goddard, who managed the course, said: "By providing non-residential facilities, we are opening up the possibilities of a police career to people whose commitments don't allow them to undertake a residential course."
The non-residential course was launched in October, with 32 students taking their places in Sunbury. Recruits went through the same thorough training as their Hendon counterparts. On completion of their training, these officers will be posted in one of three boroughs - Richmond, Wandsworth or Merton.
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