POLICE forces have launched major recruitment drives to boost the number of officers across the region.

Durham Constabulary is accepting applications for new police constables, while North Yorkshire Police is recruiting new PCSOs.

Both forces launched their recruitment campaigns yesterday and applicants have until October 25 to apply for the Durham Constabulary and October 28 for the North Yorkshire force.

And for the first time, both forces are offering Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships in conjunction with universities.

Under the degree apprenticeships, student officers will study towards a degree in Professional Policing Practice as part of a three-year training programme while working as a police officer.

Durham Constabulary has partnered with Northumbria University and the university fees will be paid for by the force, with students being paid police officers from day one, with a starting salary of £24,177.

The recruitment drive is part of a national campaign, which aims to recruit 20,000 new police officers over the next three years.

Temporary Superintendent Catherine Clarke, from Durham Constabulary, said: “We are delighted to offer the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship scheme for the first time.

“Being a police officer is like no other job in the world. I can guarantee it’ll be the most challenging thing you’ve ever done, but it’ll also be the most rewarding.

“Through the apprenticeship, you’ll get to ‘earn while you learn’, combining vital on the job experience with classroom based learning at Northumbria University."

Speaking about North Yorkshire's recruitment campaign, Phil Cain, Deputy Chief Constable said: “This is an exciting opportunity for anyone considering a career in policing to join our team.

He added: “We’re on track to meet our target of recruiting 70 PCSOs this year across three intakes.

"Today’s campaign is the last phase of that process."

For application details, visit; Durham Constabulary or North Yorkshire Police.