Police recruitment attracts thousands of applicants

Northumbria Police’s largest recruitment drive in a decade sparked more than 1,000 applications in the first three months.

An update from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Kim McGuinness to a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel also reveals that more than 3,000 people expressed interest in joining the force and that the first 78 recruits are now in training.

It follows the Chancellor announcing funding in September to support the recruitment of a first wave of up to 6,000 officers, to be shared among the 43 forces in England

and Wales, in the wake of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s commitment to increase police numbers over the next three years.

Kim McGuinness’ report says: ‘Of those going on to apply after the initial expressions of interest, nearly 9% were from BAME backgrounds and 34% were women.’

It adds: ‘There have also been place-focused events held in Hexham, Berwick, Rothbury and Haltwhistle to continue attracting further applicants from rural areas and I’m pleased to say some 10% of applications came from rural locations.’

The PCC said: “It’s great to see thousands of people from across our region showing their interest in keeping local communities safe and it’s a great endorsement for how well Northumbria Police is viewed.

“As a result of this, I’m proud to say we’re already training up the first 78 of the newest recruits, after years of cuts to officer numbers.

“What’s particularly pleasing is that people are coming to the police from a range of backgrounds and bringing new skills and experiences to the force.”