20,000 apply for new Yorkshire police roles

Police were overwhelmed by the "unprecedented" response to a recruitment drive for new officers when the campaign launched on Monday.

The force had to set up a new alternative telephone number for applicants to dial after the original hotline experienced "unforeseen technical difficulties" due to the high number of calls.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman reassured the public that emergency calls and routine operational calls had not been affected by the problems.

The campaign follows a similar recruitment drive last year and will see up to 60 new officers join those already serving communities across the force area. The original hotline opened at 5pm on Monday and was due to close after a maximum of five days, or once 1,000 application packs had been sent out to potential recruits who passed an initial screening process.

Police said the high demand showed an "emphatic demonstration of public confidence in North Yorkshire Police".

The spokesman said: "On the first day of the campaign an incredible 20,000 calls were received by the recruitment hotline. Regrettably, unforeseen technical difficulties occurred as a result of this unprecedented overwhelming demand."

Speaking about the recruitment campaign, Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs added: "Due to the thorough planning work that North Yorkshire Police has already undertaken, which has both increased the number of frontline officers and given the force a secure financial position for the future, we are now in a strong position to take on even more officers.

"These officers will boost the numbers already working on the frontline Safer Neighbourhood Teams across North Yorkshire and the City of York. This will further increase our capability to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, and instil confidence in the service we deliver."

Anyone wanting to apply for officer roles within North Yorkshire Police is asked to call 0300 1239020.