UP to 100 new police constables are set to be recruited in Gwent as the force lifts a recruitment freeze in order to bolster frontline policing.  ?Despite an overall reduction of nearly 300 police officers since 2010/ 11 it has been announced that Gwent Police will be recruiting up to 100 frontline officers over the next three years to replace those who have retired or have left the force already.?The recruitment and training process will be rolled out progressively over the next three years and it is envisaged that up to 60 new constables will be recruited in 2016 in order to maintain levels of operational policing.

The application process for the first tranche of potential recruits closed on Monday (1st February). The recruitment and training of another 40 police constables will be spread out over the remainder of the two years and the new officers will be deployed on the beat throughout the region. 

The funding of the force and the provision of policing services form part of PCC Ian Johnston’s statutory duties and it is his responsibility to ensure that Gwent has appropriate levels of policing to meet the requirements of communities while making the necessary savings. 

According to Gwent PCC Ian Johnston, the new officers are needed in order to maintain frontline policing in Gwent as much as possible.

Mr Johnston said: “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.”

For full details about applying for the police force, visit: http://corporate.gwent.police.uk/careers/