Met should recruit SAS officers, says Hogan-Howe

Police should be able to recruit leaders direct from other fields such as the Army, Scotland Yard's new Commissioner said today.

Bernard Hogan-Howe said the police needed "lateral entry" to bring in more talented officers and boost the number of black and ethnic minority police leaders.

The move is already being considered by Tom Winsor as part of a major review of policing and has been backed by David Cameron.

Mr Hogan-Howe, Britain's most senior police officer, said the scheme could be used to attract talented black and ethnic minority leaders to the force.

Speaking on the Nick Ferrari show on LBC this morning he admitted the Met needed more diversity in its ranks to reflect London's population.

He said: "I'm not exactly for an officer class, what I'm saying is if you're a talented person, maybe an ex-special forces major who has great talent, are we saying they have to walk around for 10 years before they can look after the firearms unit?"

Mr Hogan-Howe also revealed plans to hold what he described as "Commissioner roadshows" when he will visit different locations in London to hold meetings with local people. He will also issue his officers with combat trousers to make it easier for them to carry their kit.