Force set to recruit 60 new police officers

North Yorkshire Police is expected to recruit around 60 new officers, depending on how many existing staff choose to leave between now and the end of 2014.

Many of the vacancies will be for student officers, though some more senior roles may also be available.

Forces around the country are being forced to cut staffing costs in a bid to balance their books in the face of severe budget pressures. But Julia Mulligan, the county’s police and crime commissioner, said she feared being unable to achieve her policing goals without taking on new recruits.

“I know that people want to see officers on the streets and this campaign will help to make sure that we maximise coverage across North Yorkshire for the next few years,” she said.

“The recruitment of high quality officers is a fundamental part of my central goal to ensure people are safe, that we remain the safest county in England and residents of North Yorkshire feel safe.

“Undoubtedly, there will be a huge number of people who are interested and it is probable the website will be extremely busy during the application period which is open for two weeks.”

A spokeswoman said the force was looking for “candidates who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, committed to reducing harm and for those who want to do more for victims”.

It was revealed last year that 61 officer roles and 245 police support jobs were axed in North Yorkshire in the previous 12 months. The force was forced to shed one in 25 police officer jobs.

In West Yorkshire, crime commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson has increased the police element of council tax by 3.8 per cent to raise funds for 44 new police officers to replace those who will leave in the coming months.