Almost 7,000 apply to join PSNI following recruitment drive

by Q Radio News

Almost 7,000 people have applied to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) during its latest recruitment drive for 600 new officers. 

The closing date for applications was yesterday, Tuesday 25th February. 

The latest recruitment campaign was aimed at attracting members of the community which are under represented in the force including Catholics, women, members of the LGBT community and ethnic minorities. 

Figures show there has been an increase in of over 700 applications overall, compared to the recruitment drive in 2018. 

The campaign also attracted more Catholics and women this time round. 

2,158 applicants were Catholic, whereas in 2018 1,935 Catholics applied. 

In 2018, 37.31% of applicants were women, equating to 2,329 out of 6,243. However, this year 40.3% of applicants are women; 2,808 out of 6,961. 

Breakdown of figures from 2020 and 2018 Student Officer Recruitment Campaigns  

Commenting on the number of applications received Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said: “We launched our recruitment campaign for Student Officers at the start of February and I am pleased to say that our preliminary figures show that in just over three weeks we have received 6,961 applications.

“I am encouraged to see the number of people who have shown an interest in a career in the Police Service from across all sections of the community. 

"This is an increase of over 700 applications from our 2018 campaign.

“Each of the applicants will now commence a rigorous multi-stage process, which will include an Online Initial Selection Test and assessment centre to ensure that the very best candidates are offered a place on the training programme.

“Successful applicants will be invited to complete 23 weeks of training at the Police College where they will develop practical and operational policing skills, to ensure they are mentally and physically equipped to perform the important role of a police officer."