New Zealand officer becomes first in force to wear hijab in uniform

Constable Zeena Ali had the opportunity to trial several versions of the hijab before she began her police training, with the item now an official elective item of uniform. The force worked alongside apparel design researchers Deb Cumming and Nina Weaver, from Massey University School of Design Wellington, to create… The New Zealand Police force has incorporated a hijab into its official uniform, with first officer to wear it saying it will open the door to female Muslims wishing to join....

Forensic Capability Network appoints Jo Ashworth as permanent CEO

Hosted by Dorset Police, FCN is the new national forensics network for 45 police forces and law enforcement agencies in England and Wales. Ms Ashworth was appointed following an application process during September and October that sought a “self-motivated, dynamic and influential leader to help create the world's most advanced… Jo Ashworth OBE has been appointed permanent CEO of the Forensic Capability Network (FCN)....

Met re-imposes London residency requirement for recruits

The Metropolitan Police has re-implemented the London residency requirement for most entry routes. The idea is to help the Met achieve its new target of 40 per cent BAME recruits in 2022, outlined today in London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Action Plan on ‘Transparency, Accountability and Trust in Policing’. The residency… The Met have re-introduced the requirement to live in London in order to join as an officer. But chair of the Met Federation, Ken Marsh, says it will have a "detrimental effect"....

Wiltshire: joining a ‘one team ethos’

Wiltshire is seeking Detective Constables to transfer from other forces to their investigation teams in the spring 2021. Successful applicants will have completed the full IPLDP, be PIP2 qualified or hold a valid NIE pass and working towards PIP2. Detective Superintendent Chris Hanson is head of CID and a transferee… Wiltshire Police is looking for 20 experienced detectives who want to try something new by moving to a force that offers autonomy, responsibility and flexible working...

GMP wins award after tailoring HR processes to attract ex-military

GMP has received an award for its work in encouraging recruitment from the armed forces after it set up a steering group headed up by an assistant chief constable to make its HR processes more applicable to former military personnel. The force is now one of five in the country… Force is one of five in UK to win gold award on defence employer recognition scheme ...

Ready for anything? Guernsey’s new recruits line up for duty

Guernsey Police were forced this summer to take down their own promotion video from the internet after politicians said it didn’t reflect life on the island. The short clip created a storm by showing armed officers storming a hostage situation, a huge explosion and car chase shot in the style… An officer recruitment video that created a storm of protests led to an avalanche of applications and 10 budding officers....

Adapt or risk losing good finance leads, CIPFA warns

People joining force finance teams must be enabled to develop their skills and experience or they will go to other organisations, the chief executive of CIPFA has warned. Rob Whiteman, head of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, shared his advice with the announcement of 20 free scholarships… Staff training must adapt to meet the expectations of new people taking on support roles, the leader of finance heads has warned, as he launched a scholarship scheme....

Leicestershire sets recruitment target of 25 per cent BAME

To mark the end of Black History Month, PCC Bach and chief constable Simon Cole are meeting tonight with the African Heritage Alliance to discuss the “significant milestone”. In a speech to the Alliance, PCC Bach referred to the most quoted Sir Robert Peel Principal: "The police are the public,… Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lord Willy Bach has set a target of 25 per cent new BAME recruits....

Uplift recruitment ahead of target says Home Office

A year after the Prime Minister pledged to recruit more police officers, the Home Office revealed 5,824 new officers have joined forces across England and Wales. Of those, 10% were from BAME backgrounds. But the leader of frontline staff said people already serving the communities would still be under pressure… The Uplift recruitment campaign is ahead of schedule with almost 6,000 new recruits, according to the Home Office....

Garda opens chance for more PSNI to join management team

The Garda Síochána has begun a search for two Deputy Commissioners to support Commissioner Drew Harris who left the Police Service of Northern Ireland two years ago in an unprecedented move to begin leading Ireland’s officers. Both posts come with a €172,955 salary. One is currently vacant and a second… Ireland’s Garda could be about to add senior officers from across the border to its top team....