Staffordshire police to take on 80 new constables
Staffordshire Police is to take on 80 new constables – double the amount than was expected, it was revealed today.
The force initially aimed to bring in 42 new constables over the next 12 months, but it is now looking to increase that total to 80 after around 3,000 people initially applied for a job.
Bosses have now whittled that figure down to around 500 applicants, who have recently passed an initial selection process, and they have brought forward next year's recruitment scheme to help try and to demand.
Staffordshire's Chief Constable, Mike Cunningham said: "The level of interest in joining our team has been astounding.
"The good news for those that applied is that I have been working with Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis and we have agreed to bring forward some of next year's recruitment to the current process."
"However this will not mean we will lower the standards expected of those joining Staffordshire Police. We want the very best applicants to join the force and those unable to demonstrate the standard required will not get in.
"Based on the initial view of the applications we are hopeful we will find all 80 from the current process."
The recruitment drive started earlier this year. Those who have passed the pre-selection process will now have their applications formally examined before assessment centres take place later this summer.
Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Mr Ellis said: "This is tremendous news for people across Staffordshire. It comes on the back of the Chief Constable and I agreeing to cancel the planned reductions to Neighbourhood Policing numbers and reflects the significantly improved financial position here.
Current applicants are being kept up-to-date on the progress of their application by the recruitment team. There will be five intakes of 16 officers, with the first recruits set to join the force in October.
Staffordshire Police is also looking to bring in experienced officers from other forces as part of a transfer process.
This means fully qualified constables from other forces will be able to apply to join Staffordshire Police this summer - providing they can demonstrate a strong link with the area.
