London’s Metropolitan Police has launched its first ever graduate programme.

The Met has not had a specific graduate-entry scheme before, but has consistently appeared in The Times’ Top 100 Graduate Employers.

The force is looking for around 150 graduates, Recruiter learns, with a minimum 2:1 degree for a March 2013 training start, and will accept up to 4,000 eligible individuals into the application process.

With additional allowances, starting salary will be £29,874, rising to £32,577 after completing training and £34,086 after probation.

The applicants will have passed the first telephone eligibility screening process by 10 August.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18½ and 57 years of age, resident in the UK for three years before submitting their applications and have a 2:1 degree in any subject, according to the Met’s careers website.

They must also “not be under pressure from undischarged debts or liabilities, or have any business connections that may constitute a conflict of interest”; this is “to avoid the risk of corruption”. Those applying will have their application terminated if they have any tattoos that are visible above the collar or on their hands, and/or “are classed as offensive”.