Cambridgeshire police launches scheme to boost applications from ethnic minority backgrounds

The first positive action access course started this month with 11 people attending the first session and taking the opportunity to explore the opportunities policing can offer.

The course, which lasts nine weeks, provides an insight into the role of a police officer and information on career progression and specialisms in the constabulary.

Alongside the course, the force is also holding a number of ‘positive action’ events as part of a recruitment drive.

The first of these will take place in Peterborough on March 23 and a second in Wisbech on March 31.

Police officers from ethnic minority backgrounds will be on hand to speak to potential applicants about concerns and share their experience of working for the force.

The course and recruitment events are part of the force’s drive to recruit more people from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities. The campaign has the slogan, “Reflecting the communities we serve and protect.”

In Cambridgeshire, nearly 10 per cent of residents class themselves as BME but among Cambridgeshire police officers that percentage is two.

Inspector Jayne Drury said: “Cambridgeshire Constabulary has a strong commitment to equality and we are dedicated to developing a representative workforce.

“We must reflect, understand and enjoy the trust and confidence of all the communities that we serve.

“Positive action has been instigated to encourage potential candidates from ethnic minorities to explore the opportunities of a career with the police.

“We want to recruit the best talent from the widest pool of people possible and are actively encouraging people from all backgrounds to consider applying to become a police officer in Cambridgeshire.”

Positive action does not guarantee that anyone of a specific sex or race will gain employment.

The force is also continuing its general recruitment events which prospective candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attend.

To attend an event visit http://www.cambs.police.uk/ where you can register under recruitment/ external events.

For more information regarding positive action email [email protected].