Staffordshire Police calling for constables despite cuts

The county force wants to fill a number of the positions for 2016. It is encouraging people to apply and released a pre-application questionnaire on Monday.

It comes less than a month after West Midlands Police announced it needed to axe up to 2,500 officer and civilian staff positions over the next fours years to meet £120m in savings.

Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Jane Sawyers said "Few jobs are more rewarding and challenging than that of a police officer.

"From day one you'll be helping to fight crime and protect the public.

"As a police constable, you'll have the opportunity to learn new skills, meet people and set out on a career path that could see you specialise as a firearms officer, dog handler, traffic officer, detective or the trusted, familiar face of policing in the community."

She added: "We need people who are good communicators with a calm, confident personality, problem solvers, team players, and people who easily build relationships, respect other people and appreciate views from communities across the county.

"We find these in people from all communities and we therefore welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate these skills and attributes."

In a press statement issued, the force said the exact number of recruits and starting date for their training would only be established in the recruitment service.

People interested in becoming a police officer must complete an online pre-application questionnaire by mid-day on September 4.

Those who are eligible to apply after completing the pre-application questionnaire will then be sent an application pack.

The recruitment drive comes at the same time a campaign has been launched to recruit cadets in Stafford.

Set up by Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Ellis, the successful project is looking for youngsters aged 13-17 to sign up.

Deputy PCC Sue Arnold said: "The cadet scheme is all about giving advantages to young people through allowing them to gain life skills such as responsibility and discipline.

"This is not about youngsters from elite and advantaged backgrounds. It's about giving young people an opportunity to build character and a sense of civic duty, no matter what their challenges."

She added: "The Stafford Unit has been a great success since its launch two years ago and there's a great opportunity to welcome in some new members."