News

20,000 police officer target campaign continues

The government’s campaign to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers enters a new phase today with a clear message: make your difference.

TV commercials highlighting policing’s central role in the community will now air alongside social media adverts designed to attract applicants from a variety of backgrounds. The campaign aims to capitalise on the community spirit shown by the British public during the coronavirus pandemic, which presents an unprecedented opportunity for people to make a difference by joining the police.

Thousands of additional officers have already been recruited and are supporting the emergency services’ response to the virus. Data shows that over 3,000 additional officers joined the police’s ranks from the beginning of the campaign to the end of March 2020.

West Midlands Police has seen record numbers apply to be student police officers, 75 per cent higher than its normal average, with as many women applying for this role as men – a first in the force’s history.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Getting more police officers on the streets to keep us all safe is an absolute priority for the British people – and this government. The heroic efforts of officers up and down the country have been crucial in protecting the NHS and saving lives during this pandemic. There’s never been a better time to join the police to make a difference in your community.”

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said: “This TV commercial is an exciting first for policing, informing a wide TV audience that we continue to recruit for police officers. We want everyone to know that we are open for recruitment. The pandemic has presented everyone with new challenges but it is essential that we continue to build our policing capacity by attracting and training new police officers. Now is a great time to consider whether you could make your difference by joining our ranks.”

The College of Policing has also recently announced the rollout of new online assessment centres, which will ensure that recruitment continues at pace during the coronavirus outbreak.

Partners

View the latest
digital issue