Cleveland Police looking to increase officer numbers for first time since 'lengthy recruitment freeze'

Cleveland Police is looking to transfer new officers from different forces for the first time since a “lengthy recruitment freeze”.

The force is looking for police constables to transfer to the force in order to increase officer numbers.

The recruitment drive follows a recent intake of student police constables.

Acting Chief Constable Iain Spittal said: “We are pleased to offer constables from across the UK the opportunity to join a successful, forward thinking force whose area covers densely populated, diverse urban areas as well as rural fringes and our coastline.

“Successful applicants will gain a wealth of experience, policing busy town centres, a vibrant night time economy, and two football stadia as well as numerous tourist destinations. The area is also home to some of Europe’s largest chemical complexes and a port and therefore offers rare opportunities to gain a unique policing experience.”

Picture by Ian McIntyre

Deputy Chief Constable Iain Spittal

PCC Barry Coppinger added: “We welcome applicants from all UK forces and are keen for those who identify with the force’s values to consider a transfer to Cleveland.

“It is testament to its prudent financial governance that the force finds itself in the position to be able to recruit first police ponstables and now transferees and this can only be positive news for Cleveland Police.”

Cleveland Police has seen a reduction of 400 officers since 2010 and according to the chairman of the Police Federation, the force would not have the manpower to protect the public if Boro are promoted to the Premiership.

But a Cleveland Police spokeswoman has confirmed this recruitment drive has not been put in place as a result of these concerns and has been in the pipeline for some time.

Officers who are looking to transfer to Cleveland Police are asked to visit http://bit.ly/1zCmrON where they can access the force recruitment site to formally apply.

Successful applicants will join the force at the rank of Constable in front line policing roles, within teams across the force area.