Durham Constabulary to take on 160 new police officers

Durham Constabulary, rated the country’s top performing force, is on the lookout for new recruits.

Recruitment will open on Friday, July, 8 with applications packs available to download from 9.30am. The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Friday, July 22 or until applications reach 800.

From the applications submitted successful candidates will be enrolled into Durham's training centre at Meadowfield over the next two years.

Chief Officer Gary Ridley said: “Over the past few years we have effectively managed our finances meaning we are in a position to open recruitment this summer.

“The hope is, from the 800 applications we receive, we will recruit 160 probationer officers and their recruitment and training will then be staggered over the next couple of years.

“Our ultimate aim is to continually improve the policing service we offer to the people of County Durham and Darlington whilst making sure it is both cost-effective and provides good value for money.”

Ron Hogg, Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington said: “Policing is a great career. It offers people the opportunity to make a real difference to communities, and to gain a huge range of skills that can help them climb the career ladder.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who might be interested to attend one of the open evenings and find out more.”

The force will be holding open evenings where potential candidates will be given the chance to find out more information and ask questions.

These will be held at Police HQ on Wednesday, June 22 and Thursday, June 23, Darlington College on Tuesday, June 28 and Derwentside College on Tuesday, July 5. The events will begin at 6pm and there are 50 spaces which need to be pre-booked via police HQ.

To book a place or to find out more information about the role of a police officer please visit www.durham.police.uk and click on ‘Join Us’.