PSNI to recruit 150 part-time officers

The PSNI are to recruit 150 new part-time officers.

The new officers will be recruited to work throughout the five District Command Units in Foyle, South Belfast, Newry and Mourne, Moyle and Ballymoney.

The officers will be dedicated to community policing in these districts, as well as working as part of neighbourhood policing teams to provide high visibility patrols, help solve local problems with partner agencies, and work with victims and witnesses of crime.

One of the key requirements for the new part-time officers is that they have a strong connection to the District Command Unit, (DCU), in which they will eventually work in.

Each successful applicant will be required to either be from the area, have close family ties with it, or be studying or working there.

The Police Service invites applications from all sections of the community so that part-time officers will be representative of the local population in terms of age, ethnic or community background, and gender in a bid to truly reflect the diverse make up of the local community.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton explained why he hoped to see applications from all sections of the community:

“I welcome the recruitment of 150 additional part time police officers to work directly with communities. Policing With the Community is at the very centre of everything we do as a police service and I encourage people from all sections of the community in these areas to consider applying, it’s very important that these officers are fully representative of the community they are working in.

“Indeed, part of the recruitment process involves applicants showing that they have ties with the local community.

“Obviously, living in the area will be one way to do this, but for people who study or work in one of the five districts, or who have close relations living in the area, the recruitment process will be open to them too.”

DCC Leighton continued: “These posts provide an opportunity for people who want to make a positive contribution to a community they will already be very familiar with. We want them to use their understanding of local issues to help make each of these five areas a safer place to live, work and relax.

“The flexible, part time nature of these jobs will suit many people. It offers those with another career or other commitments the ability to fit the role in around their existing lifestyles but the over-riding desire of applicants should be to serve their community and to help to make their own community a safer place through professional, progressive policing.”

All part-time officers will receive comprehensive training to ensure that they have the right skills necessary to perform this important role.

Anyone interested in joining the PSNI working flexibly in Part Time Policing, can find more information on-line at http://www.selectnip.org/

(EF/GB)