Almost 7,000 Apply To Join PSNI

Almost 7,000 applications to join the PSNI were submitted in the 2020 recruitment campaign, ten times the number of people the force hopes to take on board.

Figures published on Wednesday reveal a total of 6,961 applications, with extra submissions from both Catholic and Protestant members of the community when compared to the last student officer recruitment campaign in 2018.

An extra 718 people put their name forward to join the force during a highly publicised campaign, which saw Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill attend a recruitment event in an unprecedented show of support from the party.

Applications closed on Tuesday 25 February, meaning the selection process will now get underway.

It's reported that around 600 officers will be recruited.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton welcomed the increased public interest in policing careers.

"I am pleased to say that our preliminary figures show that in just over three weeks we have received 6,961 applications," he said.

"I am encouraged to see the number of people who have shown an interest in a career in the Police Service from across all sections of the community."

The multi-stage process features an initial online test and assessment centre stage before candidates progress to vetting, physical and medical competence and substance misuse tests.

Successful applicants will then complete 23 weeks of training before beginning their role as a probationary police officer this Autumn.



(JG/MH)