Bedfordshire Police will start recruiting officers for the first time in three years, it was decided on Monday.

Up to 80 police officers will be recruited over the next 12 months, including existing officers transferring from other forces as well as new officers who will be trained in Bedfordshire.

“I’m keen to recruit people as soon as we can, as our frontline resources are particularly stretched after a long period of recruitment freeze,” said Chief Constable Colette Paul. “We’ve planned this recruitment drive by making savings elsewhere.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins added: “Government funding cuts mean that sadly overall police strength in the county will still have to fall in the next couple of years. However, I am glad we have reached a point where we can afford to rebalance the force and ease the burden on our overstretched frontline officers by starting to recruit again.”

If you are interested in a career as a police officer, visit Bedfordshire Police’s website www.bedfordshire.police.uk