NORTH Yorkshire police say they’re reaching out to women and people in black and minority ethnic communities in their latest recruitment drive.

The campaign to take on 56 trainee police officers over the next year was launched this week following on from moves to recruit more than 50 Police Community Support Officers to the Force in 2019.

The new recruits must be at least 18, physically fit with a Level 3 qualification, either NVQ 3 or A Level equivalent. They must also possess a full driving licence, and have lived in the UK for the last three years.

Deputy Chief Constable, Phil Cain said: "Last year we attracted the most diverse group of trainees that North Yorkshire has ever had, and we want to try to do the same again this year.

"We'd like to bring more women into the Force at PC level. Although our upper ranks are equally split between men and women officers, we still need more women PCs and Sergeants. We will also be doing everything we can to encourage people from black and minority communities and LGBT+ communities to join our ranks.

"Our aim is to reflect all parts of our demographic in North Yorkshire. We're working on increasing diversity in our recruitment, because we want everybody to feel that we're their police Force. It won't happen overnight, but we're really trying.

"This is an exciting time to join the police service, so if anyone is thinking of taking that step, I'd encourage them to visit our website to find out more."

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan added: "Today marks another milestone in delivering additional policing to the communities of North Yorkshire to ensure they are visible, not just making our communities safe but making them feel safe too.

"This recruitment campaign will mean we return the level of officers to around the same as it was in 2010, one of my priorities since being elected as Commissioner. Tough decisions have had to be taken to ensure that happens, and residents across North Yorkshire are investing in these officers through the precept, so I will be working closely with the Chief Constable to ensure these additional resources make a real difference.

"Police officers, as with all police staff, are incredible public servants facing challenging circumstances day-in, day-out. They do an amazing job and I would encourage anyone who thinks they can contribute to keeping North Yorkshire safe and feeling safe to apply."

Recruitment is open until June 17.