Leicestershire Police has begun its latest recruitment drive for new police officers.

Earlier this year, the force announced plans to recruit more than 230 police officers over the next financial year.

Of that number, 107 were confirmed to be new posts. The others will be replacements for officers expected to leave the force or retire.

Police officer recruiting will open for the year in April, with successful candidates starting their training in February and March 2020.

To support the drive, the force is holding a number of recruitment seminars for people who are interested in becoming an officer.

Leicestershire Police wants to hire 107 new officers
Leicestershire Police wants to hire 107 new officers

During the sessions, people will be able to find out more about the role of a police officer and the recruitment process.

They will also have the opportunity to meet serving officers, hear about their experiences, and find out about career opportunities.

Registration is required for these events - find out how to apply below.

What do you need to be a police officer?

To apply to be a police officer for Leicestershire Police, you must:

  • Be aged between 18 and 56
  • Have a level 3 qualification or equivalent
  • Hold a full UK/EU valid manual driving licence
  • Not have any serious convictions or recent cautions

Leicestershire Police also says it is particularly keen to increase the number of women officers, officers from black and minority ethnic communities and candidates from the LGBT community.

It says this is in order to 'ensure our workforce represents the communities we serve'.

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When do the recruitment seminars take place?

20 March, 19:00-21:00 - Mansfield House Police Station, 74 Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3GG

20 March, 19:00-21:00 - Shree Jalaram Community Centre, 85 Narborough Road, Leicester LE3 0LF

21 March, 18:30-20:30 - Melton Borough Council, Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1GH

22 March, 12:30-14:30 - Jami Masjid Bilal Mosque, 80 Evington Valley, Leicester LE5 5NH

26 March, 18:30-20:30 - Castle Rock School, Meadow Lane, Coalville LE67 4BR

27 March, 17:00-19:00 - Shree Sanatan Temple, Shree Sanatan Mandir, 84 Weymouth Street, Leicester LE4 6FQ

27 March, 19:00-21:00 - Holiday Inn Express, Donnington Room, Pegasus Business Park, East Midlands Airport, Leicestershire DE74 2TQ

28 March, 18:30-20:30 - Melton Borough Council, Parkside, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray LE13 1GH

How do you register for a recruitment seminar?

If you want to attend one of the recruitment events you must email the police's recruitment team to register your place.

You can do this by visiting the Leicester Police website, and following the link on the event you wish to attend.

You will then be required to create an account on their e-recruitment portal.