Police attract more recruits

The downturn in the North Sea oil industry could prove the answer to the police’s long-term recruitment headache.

Shortages in the former Grampian division, covering Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, were the highest of anywhere in Scotland in October last year.

Chief Supt Campbell Thomson, divisional commander for the north-east, admitted his complement was 50 officers short.

However, 39 new recruits joined theranksin December and up to 50 are expected to start work next month.

Before the oil downturn, it was common for officers to be hired from outside the area, before returning home due to the cost of living in the north-east.

But now, Chief Supt Thomson is confident the staffing challenges are over and is hopeful

“Recruitment has been a challenge for the division”

local recruits will stay in the region.

He said: “Recruitment has been a challenge for the whole former Grampian division, as with any public sector in the north-east.

“As a result, we saw a number of recruits from other areas in Scotland make up the numbers.

“They delivered an excellent service, but itwas very challenging for them due to the cost of living and they were drawn back to their homes.

“As we’re all aware, the economic position has changed and, as a result of significant work, we’re now drawing local recruits in the area.”

A report, prepared for yesterday’s meeting of Moray Council’s police and fire and rescue services committee, explained police had historically struggled to attract applicants because of the “lucrative” oil industry.