Police chief aims new recruitment drive at people from more diverse backgrounds
"We have a long way to go before the force is truly reflective of the communities we serve, but we are aspiring to achieve that"
Northamptonshire Police is launching a video aimed at persuading people from more diverse backgrounds to join the force.
Recent recruitment boosted the number of officers in the ranks to more than 1,300 in April this year, well on the way to achieving its target of a record 1,500 by 2023.
But a fresh campaign about to get under way is targeting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and LBGTQ communities with a view to making the force one that mirrors the community it polices.
Chief Constable Nick Adderley said: “I’m really excited by the launch of our new recruitment campaign and I hope people who watch our new video or see any of our posts on social media, will feel reassured and motivated to apply.
“We have a long way to go before the force is truly reflective of the communities we serve, but we are aspiring to achieve that.
“We know how important it is that people from diverse communities and indeed all walks of life can relate to and feel represented by us.
“In these extraordinary times, we need extraordinary people.”
A video supporting the campaign will hit social media and ethnic TV channels next week.
Northamptonshire added 154 officers during 2019 using extra cash provided by Government funding and the Council Tax.
This new recruitment drive also aims to appeal to the public who have shown real community spirit during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Changes have been made to how the force recruits and people can progress through the stages while maintaining social distancing guidelines. For more information on how to apply go online here www.northants.police.uk/policeofficer