The police were discussing with recruiters the screening process for officers. This was not far away from the scene where Sarah Everard was kidnapped.
Six officers and three civilians were present, as well as six clipboard-wielding officers. This was done in an effort to recruit more people to the Met Police.
At the Tooting Broadway station, in south London this morning officers handed out flyers about the new degree in policing and encouraged anyone passing by to join them.
The signboards at the stand said “a career unlike any other” and “What is the vetting procedure?”
The vetting staff also discussed how they are conducted.
One of the flyers distributed was focused on Met’s vetting processes, which have come under scrutiny ever since Sarah Everard’s murder by PC Wayne Couzens.
These materials were given out at Tooting Broadway Underground Station — not far from Where Wayne Couzens abducted Sarah Everard, Clapham
One stated that a new procedure would allow applicants with domestic abuse convictions to be interviewed again.
This includes meetings with unions and management to discuss allegations and determine if it should be denied.
Some women disagree with the conclusion of some officers not doing enough to safeguard the public in light of the horrific murder of Ms Everard by Wayne Couzens, a serving police officer in March.
Alana Nikanorova from Streatham (south London) said, “I don’t believe they have done enough” to fix the institutional issues at the heart the police.
‘They [the police]You can modify the process of vetting, but that’s just one part. To regain the trust of women, they must do more.
“The counsel they offered Wayne Couzens after he was convicted of a crime was completely absurd, and their way of policing the matter was criminal. [Sarah Everard] vigil was even worse. This attitude is inherited from the top, so there are huge changes needed.
“It will take much more to fix all these problems.”
Couzens was given a full life term. Met had previously advised women that they should flag down the bus when they feel uneasy being stopped by a man officer.
Sara Maleaux (27), from Tooting said: “I’ve never had any problems with the police but, after this year’s events and the Met’s response to protest, I have a new way of looking at police.”
I felt much more unsafe walking at night. Although the police were supposed to protect us at night, we must be cautious of them.
In an effort to increase the number of applicants for the Met Police, six officers carrying clipboards spoke to the general public.
“It was terrible enough that Sarah Everard was killed, but it is now a thousand times worse. Who do we turn to for help?
Met were arrested for arresting women during a Clapham Common vigil shortly after the death of Ms Everard.
Angela Nabong is 49 years old and lives in West Norwood, south London.
Others said that they have faith in the officers, but feel the Met Police leaders need to be more proactive to improve the attitudes of the police force.
Olivia Lesscombe (41), from Balham in south London said that it was difficult because police do a hard job.
“They must do all the necessary checks, but what should they do if somebody lies to them?”
“I think the majority of officers are trustworthy, but there is a problem in how they are perceived and viewed by the public.” This cannot continue as it is. I wish it could be solved.
Shazza Shah, a 29-year-old Tooting resident, stated that it’s not because he didn’t believe in the police. He [Couzens]Although it was only one officer, I don’t think anyone would distrust all of them because of that one horrible incident.
They contained details about the Met Police’s applicant screening processes.
“Yes, I have made mistakes but, overall, I trust the police.”
Jackie Corbett (58), of Tooting Bec said: “I believe that the whole police force can be trusted. We have to trust the majority of officers to be honest and good people trying their best.
“You can get bad people at any job but police notice more when someone does an awful thing.”
“They are able to access people with a lot power and they have great access, it’s terrible that this is used for criminal activity.
“But in general, I believe the officers do the job because it is their duty to assist people.”
Couzens kidnapped and murdered Ms Everard, as she walked towards Brixton from Clapham Common.
Following his conviction, many questions were raised about the reasons that allegations of indecent exposed weren’t investigated upon his move to become an armed protector officer.
The location of today’s recruiting stand is approximately 2 1/2 miles from where the dissident 33-year old marketing executive disappeared.
Today’s leaflets were distributed by staff. They state that the vetting process will examine applicants’ family history and financial records.
They are also questioned about their identity, address and social media accounts.
While a criminal conviction or caution does not bar someone from applying, prison time could be detrimental to their chances of being accepted.
Investigators will need to investigate the nature of the conviction and when it occurred, as well as if there was a pattern of behavior.
According to the documents, people who have been granted a County Court Judgement or are currently bankrupt are also most likely to be blocked.
Danielle Macken from Norbury added that ‘It is important that the police be out in the area talking with people about this process.
“It needs to be transparent. I’m sure they’ll receive some positive feedback.
“There should be greater interaction between police officers and citizens because of the large divide that exists right now.”
One officer at the stands stated that the Met was hiring approximately 6,000 officers in the cadre of its recruitment drive.
Also, leaflets were distributed about the Police Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA).
It details the three-year programme in which rookie cops can earn around £30,000 a year and patrol the streets from day one of the course.
Only GCSE grade C or higher in English and Maths is required to be accepted into the degree program.