Lincolnshire Police has today (Thurs) announced the force's biggest ever recruitment.

It plans to recruit 400 police officers over the next two and a half years, subject to receiving a fair proportion of Government funding.

Lincolnshire Police Assistant Chief Officer Andrew White said: "From November our recruitment will really be increased, it'll be at two to three times our normal levels and that's just fantastic for Lincolnshire.

"For a long time we've been making the case for extra funding for this force because we are the lowest funded in the country and the fact that we will be able to deploy extra officers on the county's streets means that people in Lincolnshire will be safer and better served.

"People interested in policing will no doubt be aware that we have challenged the College of Policing in relation to their plans to make it mandatory that all new recruits have a degree.

"That isn't the case here, we accept entrants with a level 3 qualification and this will continue until at least June 2021."

Recent recruitment campaigns have focused on people who want to be based in the east of the county and those who speak Polish, Lithuanian or Latvian.

"We're still keen for that but it's not essential," said Mr White.

"We are recruiting so many new officers that we will be able to accommodate anyone with a passion for policing and public service, and anyone who wants a career that is not only hugely varied but also makes a huge difference."

Mr White described joining the force as 'a fantastic opportunity' to be part of an organisation 'where you really can have a job for life'.

"As a new recruit you will participate in a 21 week training programme, then you'll be with a tutor for 10 weeks, and then you're out independently enforcing the law and protecting the public in Lincolnshire.

"Once you're one of our policing family you'll be privy to all kind of opportunities here – you could become a detective, or work in Major Crime, or in our Neighbourhood Teams, or a role in our protecting vulnerable people department…the list is endless.

"Not only that, but working for this force and really making a difference makes you feel proud every day.

"Helping victims, resolving community issues, making a contribution to this fantastic county – it really is an extraordinary job," he added.

To apply to join Lincolnshire Police click on the red button below.