A SURGE in recruitment has seen Essex Police numbers rise at its fastest rate for four years and the force says it is track to have 3,369 officers in place on the front line by March next year.

And they are still casting the net out for recruits.

Deputy Chief Constable Pippa Mills said: "We are on track to be the largest and strongest we've ever been and are proud that so many brave and talented people want to join us to protect and serve Essex, helping people, keeping people safe and catching criminals.

"Now more than ever, we are visible and accessible to the communities we serve, with our new Town Centre Teams and expanded Rural Engagement Team and Business Crime Unit.

"We have invested in our investigative capabilities in areas such as tackling serious violent crime and domestic abuse, and continue to focus on the issues that can cause the greatest harm.

"We are proud to have such a strong team of officers and staff who are dedicated to making a difference.

"Being a police officer is a job like no other and we have some great opportunities for those who Fit the Bill and want to help make that difference.

"We have opportunities for people who feel they would #FitTheBill as a uniformed officer or detective."

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The force says that since January 1, 2020 it has received 1,210 applications from candidates wanting to become police constables.

To find details of what it takes to be a police officer – and to start the application process, [L] https://www.essex.police.uk [L=]click here.[.L]