100,000 milestone hit one year after the Government launched campaign to recruit 20,000 additional officers
More than 100,000 people have applied to become police officers one year into the Government’s recruitment drive.
Provisional data from forces across England and Wales shows they have received almost 101,000 applications between October and August, as part of plans to sign up 20,000 additional officers over the next three years.
This comes as new TV and radio adverts encouraging people to “make their difference” by joining the police launch nationwide today (Tuesday 15 September).
More than 4,300 additional officers have already been recruited and are supporting the emergency services’ response to the virus.
This puts forces well on their way to meeting the first target of 6,000 additional officers in England and Wales by March 2021.
The College of Policing has also rolled out online assessment centres, which have been used by 39 police forces to date, to ensure that recruitment continues at pace while social restrictions are in place.
The new process includes an online assessment stage, where candidates complete a situational judgement test, an interview, briefing exercise and written exercise.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
This year we have seen people come together in the face of adversity to serve their communities in response to the pandemic.
It is clear the national emergency has inspired people across the country to become part of our brave, selfless police family.
If you want to make a difference, apply today and sign up with our police – they are the best in the world.