A POLICE force is to launch its first national recruitment drive for experienced officers.

Durham Constabulary is taking out paid-for advertisements in the hope of filling a shortfall of about a dozen officers.

The force has suffered from experienced officers, including sergeants, switching to other forces on gaining promotion.

Training places nationally are in short supply following the launch of the Government's Crime Fighting Fund and senior officers believe they will not be able to make up the shortfall by taking on probationers.

Inspector Elaine Taylor, the force's recruiting officer, said: "There is a fluidity in the jobs market at the moment offering experienced officers more choices and some people are taking advantage of that.

"In an average year, we might expect to lose about four trained officers through transfers.

"A handful have already left and we know there are six or seven in the pipeline."

The force will be advertising in the magazine Police Review and on the Police Federation's website.