“Endeavour” is the motto. Hendon Police College has been training London’s Metropolitan Police since 1934. It stands as the principal training centre for the force. Though officially known as the Peel Centre since 1974, its original name persists. Within the police service, it is simply “Hendon”.
Lord Trenchard, Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis from 1931 to 1935, conceived the college. His experiences in the Royal Flying Corps influenced his vision. The location would have been known to him from his time as Chief of the Air Staff.
The college opened on May 31, 1934, in the buildings of Hendon Country Club. The Prince of Wales himself performed the opening ceremony. These buildings once housed Hendon Aerodrome’s club house. Standard Telephones and Cables company briefly used them as laboratories.
Trenchard envisioned a military-style cadet establishment. It would train officers to enter directly at senior rank. This contrasted with the traditional path of starting as a constable. He wanted most officers above inspector to be college graduates. This would create a military-style officer corps.
About 30 candidates were selected each year. They underwent a competitive examination similar to that for the Indian Police Service. Some were serving officers. Others came directly from civilian life. Graduates received the new rank of junior station inspector.
The first commandant was Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon Halland. He had been Chief Constable of Lincolnshire. The first 32 cadets began their course on May 10, 1934. Twenty were serving officers. Twelve were new recruits.
Hendon Police College embraced a modern and scientific approach to training. Forensic laboratories, detective training facilities, and a police driving school were all part of the setup. There was even a police wireless school. Replicas of a police court and a police station enhanced the learning experience.
The first course finished in August 1935. Graduates spent four months as ordinary constables in West Central London. They spent another four months at Scotland Yard’s specialist departments. Two months followed as section sergeants. The final two months were spent as station sergeants. Only after this year-long period could they wear an inspector’s uniform.
In November 1938, the rank of junior station inspector was abolished. Future graduates were to be appointed directly to the rank of inspector. Promotion above this rank was reopened to all officers. The college closed in September 1939. 197 men had trained there. 188 had graduated.
After World War II, debate arose about reopening the college. Some felt the police didn’t need an “officer class”. They believed promotion from the ranks was best. It was decided not to reopen it as an exclusive cadet college. Instead, it became the Metropolitan Police Training School for all entrants.
When the Royal Air Force left Hendon in the 1960s, the Metropolitan Police rebuilt the college. It was renamed the Peel Centre. Queen Elizabeth II opened the new buildings on May 31, 1974. This was forty years to the day after her uncle opened the original college.
The Peel Centre was redeveloped between 2014 and 2016. The new Peel Centre sits on the site of the old Metropolitan Police swimming pool.
Today, Hendon Police College runs courses on many aspects of police work. These range from forensic analysis to driving skills. Police officers return to the centre throughout their careers. The college is frequently referenced in films and television. Some of the action in the film The Lavender Hill Mob takes place at Hendon Police College.