The London Police Service (LPS) has faced much criticism from the public in recent years. In response, they want to ensure the public that they are working to maintain a trustful relationship. Since 2015, a diversity plan that has been in-place that set target numbers in the hiring process to ensure a healthy representation of different cultures and women in London.
Along with meeting target hiring numbers, LPS members are required to partake in the most up-to-date in-service training. One of the elements of the training cover diversity is familiarization with different members of the community.
Sergeant John Renaud oversees the recruitment process and shares his interest with the role. He said he has always been keen of team building and organization, and wanting to build the police force to be the best it can be.
Sergeant John Renaud, London Police Service
“We have a huge demand from the community for trust, and if we don’t have people who are trustworthy, we aren’t going to be able to maintain the trust of the community,” says Renaud. The hiring process for interested applicants is quite rigorous, as the importance of background checks is stressed to ensure the best quality of potential employees.
“We also really look and focus on character and integrity. How do people treat members of their family, their friends, people they’re in relationships with…Because that’s a good indicator for us. The quality of the people that we are taking on as an employee,” says Renaud.
The LPS is looking for people with strong interpersonal skills, especially those with experience with customer service. Renaud says it’s key to find people with the ability to communicate, mitigate, and negotiate with others.
The LPS will have a booth at Fanshawe College’s career fair from 10AM-2PM on Feb. 7. Renaud encourages students, especially those with an interest in pursuing a policing career, to come out and ask questions.
“I think the biggest part of our presence there is that they are able to answer questions. Some of the criticism may be misunderstood. People need the opportunity to think for themselves and get direct information from people in the police service,” says Renaud.
Two representatives from the LPS will be present to address any concerns that students may have. The police force is currently looking for potential employees to fill all positions.
