Northern Constabulary seeks new police officers

The police force hopes to recruit 24 new officers

A police force is looking to recruit 24 new officers after the number of officers leaving turned out to be higher than it had expected.

Northern Constabulary has committed to having 800 officers this year.

Chief Constable Ian Latimer said there will be a "brief opportunity" for potential recruits to apply.

Last month, the force said it had transferred £1.6m to frontline policing services from "back office" departments so it could increase officer numbers.

Mr Latimer said: "There will be a short period of recruitment to maintain our establishment and prepare us for the medium term future.

"This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wishes to join the police, as such opportunities may not be repeated for some time."

Meanwhile, the force said its latest performance statistics showed that crime during 2009-10 fell by 12% against the previous year.

Northern Constabulary said the figure equated to almost 2,000 fewer victims of crime.