HUNDREDS more bobbies could be patrolling the streets after Essex Police launched a recruitment drive as part of the force’s Fit the Bill campaign.

After a high of 3,600 officers in 2010 and a low of 2,800 in 2017 the force is hoping this latest drive will take them from 3,000 to 3,200 police officers by March.

The force have relaunched the campaign and are set to release a number of films on social media focusing on the journey of officers, both before and after they joined Essex Police, to inspire others.

Case studies will include people who moved to the county to join Essex Police, those who have held other jobs before signing up and people who have fulfilled lifelong ambitions to protect their communities.

PC Tyha Currie, who lives in Hertfordshire and commutes to work in Essex is now hoping to work towards becoming an accredited detective.

She said: “I’ve always had an investigative mindset and Essex Police is allowing me to follow my dream. Essex is a great place to work and the force offers amazing opportunities and prospects to branch out into any specialist role you want.

“I love my job and can’t believe it took me so long to take the leap and join”.

Jacob Pascoe, who moved from Cornwall to begin his career at Essex Police, said: “Essex is a great place to live and work.

“The opportunities afforded by the Essex Police are fantastic for ambitious people, and for those that are motivated to make a positive difference in people’s lives. If you are from out of county and considering joining the police, I would urge you to do as I did, to embark on an adventure in Essex”.

To be eligible to join Essex Police as a constable applicants must: Be 18 or over; be a British citizen or from a country which is a member of the European Economic area; possess a full UK driving licence and ideally not have a criminal record or any previous criminal convictions or cautions.

You can find out more about the opportunities available within the force at essex.police.uk/fiththebill