WEST Merica Police are on the hunt for suspects described as being honest and compassionate to take up a role with the police force.

To make sure the Worcestershire-based force always builds on strength, West Mercia are recruiting for student police officers to join the team in making a difference to the lives of people living, working, or visiting Herefordshire, Shropshire and the home county.

Bill Longmore, Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, said: “It is important for the force to keep up to strength at all times and due to 'natural wastage' this is not always possible. I can assure the people in West Mercia that the force is addressing this through this latest phase of recruitment and I look forward to welcoming these new officers when they are appointed.”

Recruits, who can be new to the force or serving special constables and police staff, will not only receive extensive training, but will also work towards a Diploma in Policing. Requirements to apply include being ages between 18 and 57, must have been a resident of the UK for the last three years, and must pass relevant background, medical, fitness and security checks. There are no height restrictions.

Richard Elkin, director of Enabling Services for Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police said: “We are looking for the best possible people to protect our communities from harm. The role of a police officer is not for the fainthearted and it is fair to say that every day will present a new challenge, but in return you are certain to achieve job satisfaction and have an exciting career in a profession that ultimately changes lives.”

Those interested and complete an online self-assessment exercise at ncalt.com/pre-join/. Application packs can be downloaded from westmercia.police.uk/recruitment/joining-as-a-police-officer.html.

The recruiting team will close the application process once sufficient applications have been received.