A new selection process among the Metropolitan Police is set to radically
reduce the time it takes for constables to be promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Extra training is also to be given to new sergeants to ensure they are
better prepared prior to taking up their posts.
Under the scheme, candidates for promotion to sergeant will only be put
forward for assessment exams if recommended by their line managers.
Candidates’ applications must also be approved by a panel composed of a
personnel manager, inspector and a senior officer from another unit before they
go through assessment.
Previously all officers seeking promotion had to first successfully complete
the OSPRE (1&2) exam before being sent to the force’s external assessment
centre, regardless of whether they were considered ready for the step up to
sergeant.
The Met’s assistant commissioner for HR, Bernard Hogan-Howe, said the change
heralded a radical departure for the force and that it would save time and
prepare officers more effectively for promotion.
"It represents enormous savings in candidates’ time in preparing for
assessment centre visits and hundreds of staff days taken off by assessors. But
importantly, it will help us get the right candidates promoted to
sergeant," he said.
Further reforms by the HR directorate means newly promoted sergeants must
now complete a two-week foundation and a 10- day custody course before taking
up their promotion.
It is likely that the new selection process will also be used for promotions
to inspector. The system could be adopted by other forces if successful.
