450 new constable posts at West Midlands Police

Creation of the new positions will mark the end to a recruitment freeze which has been in place for the last five years.

Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Bob Jones, says the new posts will 'infuse the force with new skills' needed 'over the next 30 years'.

Starting salaries for the positions will be £21,999.

All potential applicants can register their interest in the jobs by logging onto a new area of the force's website from Monday.

Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones said: "After nearly four years without any new officers, this is a great opportunity to infuse the force with new skills and experience and I'm sure we will get lots of excellent candidates.

"It is a real priority to bring in officers with the skills needed for policing over the next thirty plus years, and officers able to police our diverse and varied communities."

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Sharon Rowe, meanwhile, has welcomed the news, which she says will help West Midlands Police 'provide an even better service'.

"It's fantastic for us to be able to offer this opportunity, which will help us to provide an even better service by bringing fresh ideas into our workforce, directly from the communities we serve," said Temp DCC Rowe.

"Policing is challenging and rewarding. As a constable you'll get to learn new skills, meet new people and you'll never know what to expect ? each day is different.

"As well as reducing crime, you'll help to reduce the fear of crime by providing reassurance, inspiring confidence and really making a difference to people's lives."

Successful applicants will need to complete two years as a probationary officer, after which time they may wish to develop their career by working up the ranks or specialising in a particular area of policing.

Applicants must have a level three qualification (e.g. A Level, AS Level, National Diploma, National Certificate, Level 3 NVQ or City and Guilds, Access to Higher Education Diploma).