Police seek 800 recruits

Police seek 800 recruits

A drive to bring the total number of police officers working in Greater Manchester to 8,000 has begun.

"Project 8000" started on Friday and Greater Manchester Police chiefs aim to reach the target in a year.

The force has announced 800 new vacancies which it is hoped will be filled by the end of March 2004.

Over the last year 600 officers have been recruited, increasing force numbers by 4.5%, according to the Home Office.

'Attractive employer'

Assistant Chief Constable Vincent Sweeney said while the target is high, the force is confident it can reach it.

He told BBC GMR: "Greater Manchester Police is one of the fortunate forces that has no shortage of applications for positions.

"The result is we have met all of our targets in the last year, we've recruited more than 600 officers which is a significantly challenging target in itself.

"I believe the attractiveness of the area, the attractiveness of the force and the reputation it has, continues to make us a really attractive employer."