Fri, 20 Sep 2013The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched its first recruitment drive for more than three years.

The new drive is initially for 100 new constables, with the possibility of recruiting an additional 378 should funding allow.

The campaign will include a series of familiarisation events across Northern Ireland, including Fermanagh, Londonderry/Derry, Tyrone and the Greater Belfast area.

These are aimed at promoting awareness among and encouraging applications from under-represented groups, in particular:

Young people – reflecting the need to address the age profile of the organisation, which is increasing as a result of no recruitment for more than three years.

• People from Fermanagh, Tyrone and Londonderry/Derry – increasing applicant flow from these areas will allow greater flexibility in the allocation of police resources, and better resilience for local community policing.
• Members from the Catholic community – the PSNI is ready and willing to work in partnership with local politicians and community leaders, to build on the progress towards a truly representative workforce.
• People from areas of social deprivation – in an effort to increase the traditionally low response rates in previous recruitment campaigns.
• Recruitment advertisements will be placed on both traditional media outlets and on social media channels. The PSNI’s recruitment is carried out by Deloitte. 

Deputy chief constable, Judith Gillespie, says: “Policing with the community is at the very centre of everything we do as a police service and I encourage people from all sections of the community to consider applying.”