“We are both committed and determined to recruit the best people from across the wonderfully diverse communities we are so privileged to be a part of here in the North East”

That’s the message from our Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner as 62 new police officers take up roles with Northumbria Police as part of the on-going recruitment drive.

This means a total of 553 new recruits have joined Northumbria Police since March 2020.

Yesterday (Monday), officers were welcomed to the Force by Chief Constable Winton Keenen and Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness.

Chief Constable Keenen said: “We want people who are passionate about protecting other people and delivering a public service we can all be proud of – people who bring a wide and diverse range of experience, skills and abilities. 

“Northumbria Police has consistently provided the very best service possible and we need officers who will continue to reach those high standards and build on the efforts of the many exceptional officers who have gone before them.

“We have worked very hard to maintain our recruitment targets during the on-going pandemic and this highlights the commitment everyone in Northumbria Police has towards keeping up with and getting ahead of the ever-changing demands faced by modern-day policing.”

He added: “Welcoming new recruits is a great part of the job – we are bringing in some excellent people who will help ensure we keep doing what we do to the very best of our abilities.

“A career in policing brings an enviable opportunity to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of others, helping and protecting them often whilst at their most vulnerable.

“Putting yourself in this position undoubtedly brings challenges and anyone considering joining Northumbria Police can be assured they will become part of a hugely supportive team who want to bring out the best in one another.”

The new recruits will replace retiring officers, while also increasing existing numbers.

They will now begin an extensive training programme, which will include time in the classroom and on patrol alongside their more experienced colleagues.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “I’ve loved meeting all the new faces who are joining Northumbria Police.

“People tell me they want more police to be fighting crime in their area and we are delivering on this.

“Together, with the Chief Constable, not only are we recruiting more frontline officers, but we are smashing government recruitment targets. And it’s not all about numbers. We’re fortunate to have so many high calibre candidates, like those I met yesterday, who are coming through what is a very competitive recruitment process.

“The world of policing is constantly evolving and so having new talent on board from a range of backgrounds, to work alongside our experienced officers, will really strengthen our force. So today is about congratulating the new starters and thanking them on behalf of the public for choosing a career dedicated to keeping our local communities safe and I wish every one of them the very best.”

Are you ready to help others and make a difference in people’s lives? Our current officer recruitment closes at midnight on Thursday, so head over to our careers website today to sign up for a registration event: https://careers.northumbria.police.uk/police-constables/