100 new officers
Up to 100 new constables are to be employed by Gwent Police after it lifted a two-and-half year recruitment freeze.
Despite an overall reduction of nearly 300 police officers since 2010/11 as a result of UK Government cuts, the force will recruit the new frontline officers over the next three years, with as many as 60 deployed this year.
According to Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston, the new officers are needed in order to maintain frontline policing in Gwent as much as possible.
Mr Johnston: “After successfully managing the workforce down to an affordable level, the force is now in a position to recruit externally for the first time in over three years. It’s vital to welcome new talent to replace officers who have retired or have left the force already.
“The last few years have been extremely tough financially and the force has seen officer numbers decline significantly to meet the demands of austerity and central government budget cuts.
“I welcome this new recruitment drive which will ensure that we remain operationally resilient so that we can meet the demands of modern day policing and keep the public safe.”
The Chief Constable of Gwent Police, Jeff Farrar, added: “I am delighted to be offering people the opportunity to apply for the position of police constable. A career in policing is challenging but extremely rewarding.”
Gwent Police’s level of funding from the UK Government was announced last month with the figure cut by 0.6% to £72.5 million.