Police lead ethnic recruitment drive

The Home Office wants to change the ethnic make-up of the force

Thames Valley Police has been selected to play a major part in boosting the number of officers from different ethnic groups.

It is one of just four forces in the UK chosen by the Home Office to take part in a dedicated recruitment drive to change the ethnic make-up of the police.

It says the new campaign is aimed at making the police force more representative of the community it serves.

As part of the high-profile campaign, a series of recruitment seminars and workshops are planned, where both applicants and their families will be invited to attend.

The force's recruitment officer, Chief Inspector Geoff Smith, said: "Our police training is regarded as one of the best and we are proud of the very personal service we offer potential applicants and their families.

"For example, we can put them in touch with existing officers to find out what it is really like to work for the police service."

In December, Thames Valley Police celebrated their 4,000th recruit - a record number of officers.