Lancashire Police have exceeded their target to recruit an extra 153 officers into the force this year.

In addition to the target set by the Government as part of the Police Uplift Programme, over 60% of the new police officers recruited were female in Lancashire, joining only three other forces nationally to encourage more female recruits.

Some of the officers are already on the beat, having completed all their initial training, whilst others are still polishing their policing skills with tutors.

One of these officers, PC Yasmin Hylton said: “A career as a police officer is varied and offers me the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives which is very rewarding.”

Commenting on the news, Chief Constable Chris Rowley said: “We are really pleased to have met our target – every extra officer on the streets is good news for our teams and for the residents of Lancashire.

“I am also pleased to see that we have increased female representation in our officers.  I know we’ve been privileged to attract fantastic candidates, all with different skills and life experiences who will be able to make a real difference to our local communities. The extra officers will be placed in locations where they will have the biggest impact on reducing crime, vulnerability and ASB”

Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:

“I’m delighted that the force here in Lancashire has been able to bring in more officers and has exceeded its recruitment target, fully utilising the support of additional funding from Government.

“These additional officers will make a real difference, helping us to crack down on crime and deliver on the priorities that the people of Lancashire have told me matter most to them.

“I will work closely with the Chief Constable to ensure the additional resources coming into Lancashire Constabulary are best used to keep the people safe and I will also continue to work constructively with Government on any additional investment into policing in the county.”

Recruitment will continue this year, with plans to recruit more Police Officers and police staff as part of the national Police Uplift Programme.

Anyone interested in working as a Police Officer or any other policing role can find out more and sign up for job alerts at joinus.lancashire.police.uk