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Special opportunity for UEL students to get into policing

Friday 11 February 2011

Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Jarratt and Professor Patrick McGhee

The University of East London’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick McGhee, signed a Memorandum of Understanding today with representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Special Constabulary.

The MOU, signed by the Vice-Chancellor and Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Jarratt of the Metropolitan Police Service, will guarantee training for UEL students who would like to volunteer to become special constables. Expert training from the police service could see them operational within as little as three months. Additionally, for law and criminology students, the key stages of the training will also gain them credits towards their studies.

Law and criminology students can earn a maximum of 80 credits towards their degree if they achieve Independent Patrol Status, the stage at which they are deemed competent enough to go out on patrol alone.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jarratt said: “Becoming a Special Constable is a unique volunteering opportunity. Whichever career paths the students decide to follow, this scheme will allow them to develop valuable skills and experience. I look forward to welcoming the students into the Metropolitan Special Constabulary.”

The University of East London’s Dean of School for Law, Fiona Fairweather, said: “This is an excellent way for our students to gain all the advantages of working with the Metropolitan Policeat the same time as contributing to and enhancing their academic studies. We hope as many students as possible seize the opportunity!“

Also in attendance were Chief Inspector Dick Weaver and Sergeant Gavin Gaskain from the Metropolitan Police Service and Senior Lecturer in criminology at UEL, Anthony Gunter.

To apply please contact Anthony Gunter on a.gunter@uel.ac.uk

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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