Thin blue line bolstered in Essex
NEAR record numbers of police officers and special constables have been taken on by Essex Police in recent months.Since April last year, 258 officers have been taken on and 167 of these were during October, November and December.
NEAR record numbers of police officers and special constables have been taken on by Essex Police in recent months.
Since April last year, 258 officers have been taken on and 167 of these were during October, November and December.
This is believed to be the second highest number of new officers in any three month period in Essex Police's history.
And in November, 27 special constables were sworn in which is the largest number of recruits to the special constabulary for a number of years.
Chief Constable Roger Baker has said he would like to increase the number of special constables in Essex from the current 430 to 1,000.
A campaign has now been launched to try and take on between 100 and 150 specials every year until 2010.
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Recruitment manager, Karen Puttock, said: “We are delighted to have recruited such a high number of officers.
“We are always looking to encourage new recruits to the force who will provide a real presence on the county's streets.
”Recruitment is particularly important at the moment because of our commitment to increasing visible policing, and we will continue to recruit more officers to meet this need and to reassure the public.”
Induction courses for new recruits are now non-residential and will be held at one of the force's professional development units, in Colchester, South Woodham Ferrers, Hatfield Heath, and South Ockendon.
A constable starting their training with Essex Police is paid £22,397, which includes a local allowance of £2,000. This rises to £24,770 on completion of initial training.
n Signs are also good that Essex police can reach its target of having 622 police community support officers on the streets by March 31, 2008.
A recent recruitment evening was attended by 350 people.
