Police announce new recruitment drive: ‘About time!’ says mayor

The announcement comes shortly after mayor of Tring Stephen Hearn complained that that there were not enough police in the town

The recruitment drive will see a whooping 126 new officers recruited, but it is not yet known where they will be based.

Mr Hearn said: “We do need more police in Tring.”

He said that the recruitment drive may have been launched as a result of a recent meeting between Tring Town Council and Berkhamsted & Tring Sgt Peter Huffer.

Mr Hearn spoke out initially after a spate of car crime in Tring and the theft of an old lady’s handbag in the town centre

Not long before that, an oak tree planted by school children in Pound Meadow to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was snapped in half

Mr Hearn said: “For me, policing is about persuading people to behave themselves – particularly some of the younger members of the town – and to reassure some of the older members of our town that there are police officers out there.

“But recently we just have not seen them. Where they have been going I do not know. They certainly have not been walking the streets of Tring.

“Three or four years ago, we used to see these PCSOs walking the streets of Tring – but that’s all stopped and their absence is quite noticeable.

“We want to get back to those days when people in the town could see visible police. That’s what we need. It gives people a feeling of security.”

Neighbourhood Inspector for Dacorum George Holland said that there are five PCs and seven PCSOs in the Berkhamsted and Tring Safer Neighbourhood Team.

He said: “My officers work extremely hard to provide a good service to the public and will continue to do so.”

Information sessions on the recruitment drive for new officers will be held at Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City during October and are a compulsory part of the process.

If you want to apply to become a police officer, you must register for and attend one of the sessions.

Deputy Chief Constable Alison Roome-Gifford said: “While other forces are facing reductions in police officer numbers, we are currently in a position to recruit more.

“Embarking on a career as a police officer is challenging, and often demanding, but it is undoubtedly rewarding.

“We already have the names of many keen would-be recruits who have been waiting for a few months to get the opportunity to become a police officer.

“But we would like to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to start a unique career with their local police force.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to recruit more police officers and add to the great team in Hertfordshire.

“It is vital that a local police force reflects the community it serves and I would encourage everyone who meets the criteria – no matter what their background, culture or current vocation – to fully consider policing as a career and positive life move.

“Why not go along to an information session, meet Hertfordshire police officers and find out more.”

The information sessions will show what it is like to be a police officer, what the application stage involves, the training provided, fitness levels required and the vetting and medical checks you need to undergo.

The sessions will also provide hints and tips to help you make a successful application.

To apply to be a police officer you must be at least 18, a UK or EEA citizen with no UK work restrictions and have at least three years’ UK residency.

You will need to have successfully achieved the Certificate in Knowledge of Policing (CKP) at the point of intake into Hertfordshire Constabulary; and, if already held, your CKP must have been successfully completed within the last three years to be considered current and eligible to apply.

For further information about the CKP visit the College of Policing here

You must register attendance for one of the Police Headquarters events; places are limited so please ensure you register early to avoid disappointment.

Book a place on this website or call 01438 757777.