Almost 900 job-hunters downloaded the details for one of the most popular ever jobs at West Midlands police investigating scenes of crime, it has emerged.

Bosses say 867 people looked into becoming a forensic scene investigator, which involves examining crime scenes to recover evidence, making it one of the most popular police staff vacancies ever advertised. It comes as the force hosts career days for potential recruits to learn more about the work of the police and the opportunities available.

Apart from police officers there are a range of careers available from personnel managers, intelligence analysts and business support officers.

Last week the Express & Star reported the force could lose up to 2,000 police officers in the next three years as officers who joined during the boom of the late 1970s, following big improvements in pay and conditions, retire.

An all-day recruitment event took place at the Tally Ho! Sports and Conference Centre, Pershore Road, Edgbaston on Monday. There will be another on Friday, between 10am and 6pm.

Chris Rowson, corporate personnel manager, said: “These events are valuable for anyone wanting to find out more about the varied career opportunities we have to offer.

“We are one of the best performing metropolitan police forces in the UK and can offer opportunities and benefits that someone wouldn’t obtain anywhere else. We will also bring qualities to a CV that no one else could match.

“We are committed to first-class policing, delivered by a workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve, so we’re really keen to hear from talented individuals looking for a new challenge, a change in career or an opportunity to build on someone’s experience.”

The force’s recruitment website now attracts more than 140,000 visitors every month.

To attend the recruitment event, people must pre-register interest by visiting www.west-midlands.police.uk/27february2009