North Yorkshire Police are doing ‘everything we can’ to attract more women, and those in black and minority ethnic and LGBT+ communities.
The force is actively reaching out to them as part of its new recruitment campaign to bring 56 trainee police officers into the force over the next year.
“We’re working on increasing diversity in our recruitment, because we want everybody to feel that we’re their police force,” said Deputy Chief Constable, Phil Cain.
“It won’t happen overnight, but we’re really trying.”
More frontline police
To become a Student Officer (the name for police trainees), potential recruits must be at least 18 years old, physically fit, and have a Level 3 qualification – eg A levels.
They must also possess a full driving licence, and have lived in the UK for the last three years as all candidates are vetted.
It is the latest step in delivering a pledge made by the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, to boost the number of frontline police “to around the same level it was in 2010”.
The recruitment campaign runs until to 17 June. For more information on the role, the recruitment process and how to apply, visit head to this page on the North Yorkshire Police website.
Dep Ch Constable Cain said:
-
We’d like to bring more women into the Force at PC level.
Although our upper ranks are equally split between men and women officers, we still need more women PCs and Sergeants. We will also be doing everything we can to encourage people from black and minority communities and LGBT+ communities to join our ranks.
Our aim is to reflect all parts of our demographic in North Yorkshire.
Case study: Mohammed Iftikhar
“I find policing a really rewarding career. I enjoy interacting with the public, and giving a service to victims of crime.
“It can be a tough job because you take decisions that affect individuals and communities, but the fact you can make a positive impact on someone’s life makes it worthwhile.
“It’s good that North Yorkshire Police is reaching out to people across different communities with this recruitment campaign.
“I would definitely recommend that people from BME communities, and other under-represented groups, get in touch with the Positive Action team if they are thinking of applying to North Yorkshire Police.”