A RECRUITMENT drive for experienced police officers has been unveiled, as the drive to further enhance West Mercia Constabulary's ability to respond to major incidents, serious and organised crime and terrorism continues.

With 95 newly created opportunities for constables and sergeants over the next 12 months, the force wants to hear from any officers considering a transfer who want to live and work in Worcestershire.

Chief Superintendent Ray Groves, who is leading the recruitment campaign, said: "As West Mercia continues to build its reputation as a strategic police service, an extra £2.9 million is being invested in boosting police numbers to ensure that the force is well equipped to tackle the challenges of policing communities effectively into the 21st century.

"This investment is being made at no additional cost to local council taxpayers.

"We are looking for officers with a broad range of operational policing experience to support both local policing and also in specialist areas such as counter terrorism and extremism, serious organised and cross-border crime, civil contingencies and emergency planning, critical incident management, major crime (homicide), public disorder and strategic road policing.

"Local policing opportunities are available now while our specialist posts will be available throughout the next twelve to eighteen months, so early expressions of interest are welcome. We would also welcome interest from experienced investigators to work in support of local policing.

"While crime is low in West Mercia, making this one of the safest areas of the country in which to live and work, there are still plenty of policing challenges to tackle and officers can be confident their specialist skills will be valued and fully utilised."

Information about the vacancies is available on the force website which is at www.westmercia.pnn.police.uk or by contacting the recruitment department.