Huge demand for Staffordshire Police constable roles

Nearly 500 people have applied to join the county force during the latest recruitment period, where resources are being stretched to the limit by budget cuts.

The force opted to push the deadline for applications back to allow as many applications to be completed as possible. Chiefs have stressed for those that miss out, applications will still be welcome for the next recruitment phase.

New PCs will start with the force in the run-up to the summer and be paid between £18,000 and £23,000.

The arrival of new officers will bring a much-needed boost to the beleaguered force, which has struggled to cope with the impact of savage budget cuts from the Government.

Chief Constable Gareth Morgan has become a regular critic of ministers over recent weeks as tensions between the force and Whitehall have increased.

The Staffordshire force said: "Due to an increase in expressions of interest in PC recruitment, we are extending the application deadline until Monday, November 12."

The job advertisement on the Staffordshire Police website says: "We anticipate new student officers joining us in May/June 2019 and onwards and they will train and study over either a two or three year period, depending on which entry route applies.

"New officers will receive a starting salary of between £18k and £23k depending on the entry route, previous qualifications and/or recognised prior learning.

"We are committed to building a vibrant and diverse workforce and particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups within the community. If you are from an under-represented group and would like to discuss your application, please email your contact details to applicationpack@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk."

The Chief Constable hit out at Home Secretary Sajid Javid last week after he said it was up to police to be more effective with the resources they have.