Merseyside Police on duty. Pic by Jack Maguire © JMU Journalism
Hundreds of new police constables are set to patrol the streets of Merseyside following the recent rise in Liverpool’s council tax charges.
The 3.99% increase to the council tax precept that help funds local policing was ratified this month, enabling Merseyside Police to hold a recruitment drive for the first time in three years, with 200 additional posts being created.
Merseyside Police has cut £77m from its budget since 2010 and these new jobs will provide a much-needed boost to the force.
People aged over 18 are eligible to apply.
All applicants must pass a police selection process and complete a training programme.
Applications will not be considered after the force receives 2,000 applications.
Over the last six years, services have been stripped back to meet cost-cutting demands and during this time Merseyside Police lost more than 1,600 staff.
Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy said: “Merseyside Police is committed to maintaining a professional and effective police force and providing our communities with the best possible service for the public of Merseyside.
“We are looking for men and women who thrive on challenges and are willing to work hard to learn the skills necessary for this difficult but critical role. Being a police officer can be a tough job but it is also one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have.”
Video report by Vaiva Gedvilaite, JMU Journalism TV
Last year, Sir Jon warned the region could be left exposed in the face of a major incident as a result of further planned cuts. He predicted the force would lose a further 1,000 staff by 2019 and need a “radical restructure”.
Speaking to JMU Journalism in December, Sir Jon cautiously welcomed the news that Chancellor George Osborne’s Spending Review cuts were not likely to affect policing.
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy. Pic © JMU Journalism
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy thanked the public for backing recent calls to raise the council tax precept that helps fund local policing. She said: “I am so pleased that Merseyside Police is now in a position to be able to open recruitment for new officers.
“Following some detailed financial planning, we have now been able to balance the budget and that means for the first time in three years we are in the fortunate position to be able to encourage new people to apply to join the Merseyside Police family.”
For details on how to apply, visit www.merseyside.police.uk.
