Wiltshire Police is once again offering opportunities for people seeking a career as a police officer, after a new online application process opened today (November 12).

The last recruitment campaign took place in January this year, when more than 100,000 applicants crashed the force’s website upon its launch and the process was ended after just a few hours.

However, during the November recruitment campaign, the on-line application will be open for ten days so people can apply any time within that period.

Superintendent Charlie Armstrong, Head of People Standards and Support said: “This is a tough application process and often applicants who made it through the first few stages don’t make it all the way through.

“It is our job to ensure that this recruitment process enables us to get the right people for the role, giving us the best candidates as police officers.

“This time, we are opening the recruitment online pre-assessment tool for ten days. It will be accessible 24 hours a day and will close at 10am on Friday 22 November.”

January’s recruitment drive was the first time any police force in the south-west had recruited police officers since the launch of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review in October 2010.

As a result, there was an unprecedented response with the website receiving over 300,000 hits during the three hours it was open.

In total, 41 candidates of the 1,064 applicants were successful from the January recruitment campaign. Successful candidates are currently on provisional offers, subject to passing upcoming entry tests.

Wiltshire Police are running another recruitment process this year in their search for dedicated people with the right skills, knowledge and experience to join the devoted team of police officers who provide an excellent policing service across the county.

Chief Constable Pat Geenty said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to recruit additional police officers. Although the service is facing many challenges, policing remains an excellent career choice.

“It offers an exceptionally diverse career in public service, offering individuals the chance to make a real difference to local communities.”

Applications are welcomed from both current Wiltshire Police staff and from members of the public. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 57 and be able to prove the following qualifications:

• Level 3 qualification (A Level Grade E) or above, in any subject or equivalent

• GCSEs A*- C in English Language or Literature or equivalent, CSE English Grade 1, O Level English Grade C or above

• GCSE Maths A* - E, or functional/numeracy skills Level 2 or equivalent.

The qualifications have changed slightly since the January recruitment campaign, as a result of Winsor recommendations.

The initial salary will be £19,000 per year as specified in the Winsor recommendations.

Applicants must apply via the online pre-assessment tool, which can only be hosted on the following browers: Internet Explorer, Firefox 3.6, Google Chrome 8, Safari 5 (Mac and PC).

The online pre-assessment tool has not been developed for mobile platforms, so applicants will need to use a laptop or normal computer.

Do not call 101 for information about the recruitment process. For more information please call the dedicated Resourcing Team phone line on 01380 734132 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or email policerecruit@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk