Police recruitment campaign begins this weekend as up to 80 jobs are created

‘If the hat fits?’ - that’s the message from the force as it embarks on a project to attract people from across the county to consider a career with the county force.

Anyone wanting to become a police officer in Bedfordshire can apply to join from November 18 for two weeks only, with particular emphasis being placed on encouraging a diverse mix of candidates that truly reflect the makeup of residents it serves.

Chief Constable Colette Paul said: “Bedfordshire Police recognise that you are unique and we want to use your uniqueness to help us to reflect the communities we serve. I’m particularly keen to recruit local people, with local knowledge and from our diverse range of backgrounds and cultures – policing is a wonderful career with great prospects.”

The campaign to recruit up to 80 regular officers, which is supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins, is part of a wider commitment to bolster frontline policing across the county.

Applications for police constable will be taken between November 18 and December 1. Candidates are asked to apply online at www.bedfordshire.police.uk

Opportunities to meet police officers and recruiting staff at engagement events around the county are also on offer providing the chance to answer questions from those interested in a career with the police.

Once appointed the new officers will arrive on the streets of Bedfordshire over the course of the next 12 months, and will also include existing officers transferring in from other forces.

Chief Constable Paul added; “I know Bedfordshire residents and our partners will be as pleased as I am to see extra support for those hard working officers who are out there serving the public already.

“It will make a real difference to the community and will help support our drive towards greater satisfaction with our service. Few forces can offer the challenge of working in a county with both a motorway and an international airport, nor one which combines bustling towns like Luton with rural villages and countryside.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins added: “Government funding cuts mean that sadly overall police strength in the county will still have to fall in the next couple of years. However, I am glad that we have reached a point where we can afford to rebalance the force and ease the burden on our overstretched frontline officers by starting to recruit again”.

Engagement events are being held next week where people can find out more about a career in the police.

Dates, times and locations are:

Harpur Centre, Bedford, November 10, 10am – 6pm

University of Bedfordshire, Luton Campus, November 12, 2pm – 4pm

Dallow Road Community Centre, Luton, November 13, 6.30pm – 8pm

Fitness First Gym, Bedford, November 15, 9:30am – 11.30am

The Mall, Luton, November 16, 9am – 5pm

Fitness First, Bedford, November 18, 5pm – 7pm

Polish Integration Centre, Bedford, November 20 1pm – 3pm

Anyone can apply as long as they are aged 18 or over, retirement age for Constable’s is 60, are a British citizen, an EC/EEA national or Commonwealth citizen or a foreign national with no restrictions to live and work in the UK. You do not need to have any educational qualifications. To find out more about this contact us on 01234 842398 or email [email protected]