Police forces now may recall retired officers to help in the fight against Coronavirus

You may have seen the Met Police is asking retirees to come back to work and serve during the coronavirus crisis.

The National Police Chief's Council have suggested that all forces could now call back retired police officers, 'according to force need'.

620 police have retired in the Thames Valley area since 2015, who may now be asked to come back to help deal with the Coronavirus Pandemic.

This is individual officers, not full time equivalent, who left through normal retirement between 2014-15 and 2018-19.

It excludes those who resigned on medical grounds, died, were dismissed, resigned or transferred. It is only police officers, not staff or PCSOs

The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) said it was working with the government to facilitate the return of recently retired officers, depending on “local needs”.

Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Martin Hewitt, said:

“I am confident the overwhelming majority of people already understand the gravity of the situation we face. There will be a small number who do not and we will engage with them, explain to them and encourage them to go home. If they refuse to do the right thing we are fully prepared to use these new powers.

“Police officers are not immune to the coronavirus and so we have been extensively planning for how we will maintain critical policing for the public with significant numbers of officers and staff off sick.

“The Home Secretary’s package of measures for those returning to policing and the support of our special constables will boost our resources as we come under increasing pressure – it is hugely welcomed.

“Those who come forward to help us, and our existing hardworking officers, must get the full protection they need to keep them safe and so we will keep working with the Home Office to make sure crucial personal protection equipment gets to the front line.”