LANCASHIRE Police has once again exceeded its national target to recruit extra officers, with 307 joining through the police uplift programme by the end of September 2021.

These officers will boost the number of resources available to prevent and fight crime and keep communities safe.

The Constabulary has also excelled in attracting female recruits, being one of only eight forces to have recruited more women than men over the last year.

Some of the officers are already on the beat, having completed all their initial training, whilst others are with student development units learning all the skills they need to be able to help local communities when they need it most.

Recent recruit PC Yasmin Hylton said: “I joined the police to make a difference to people’s lives, but the job is also very rewarding with no two days the same. Sometimes it’s a challenge and you are faced with some really difficult situations but that’s where the comprehensive training and support you get pays off.”

Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: “I’m delighted that we have once again met our recruitment target. The Constabulary has worked hard to attract these new officers and they are a very welcome addition to the team.

“Once fully trained, they will be deployed to locations where they can have the biggest impact on cutting crime and keeping people and communities safe.

“We are continuing to recruit and we are keen to hear from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds to ensure we are truly inclusive and representative of every community that we serve.”

Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said: "It's fantastic news that the force has fully utilised the support of additional funding from Government and it's exciting to see some of these officers already out in our communities where they can make a difference.

"I will work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure the additional resources coming into Lancashire are used to get tough on criminals and keep people safe.

"I am committed to delivering what people want to see from policing, tackling anti-social behaviour, disrupting criminal gangs and getting tough on re-offending.

"As I lead the fight against crime I want the overwhelming majority of law-abiding citizens to know that I am on your side and will work constructively with the force, partners and Government to ensure we deliver the effective and efficient police service we all deserve."

Recruitment will continue this year. Applications are open for the Degree Holder Entry Programme which now closes on Wednesday, 3 November 2021.

More Police Officer recruitment is also planned and there are Police Staff vacancies available all year round.

Anyone interested in working for the Constabulary as a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer, Police Control Room Operator, Custody Detention Officer or any other role can find out more and sign up for job alerts at joinus.lancashire.police.uk