In its first recruitment drive of its type in Lincolnshire, the force has received 136 applications to join its ranks as an officer who speaks fluently in more than one language.
In December, Lincolnshire Police put out a job advert specifying applicants must be fluent in English and Polish, Latvian or Lithuanian.
Now the deadline for applications has come, Lincolnshire Police has happily announced more than 100 people applied for the job.
Spalding Police Inspector Gareth Boxall said of the drive: “Our police force needs to be able to communicate with the community we represent.
“Having officers with those language skills will allow us to investigate crimes more effectively, safeguard the public and support victims of crime.”
Assistant Chief Officer Andrew White welcomed the news that the recruitment drive was a success. He said: “I’m delighted with the number of applications we have had and thank you to everyone who has taken the time to apply. This shows that our approach has been completely worthwhile and well received.
“We are now sifting through the applications and shortlisting will take place over the next week or so. We are very excited about the prospect of adding these language skills to our ranks, while ensuring that any successful applicants can also reach the incredibly high standards required to become an operational police officer.
“I look forward to personally welcoming successful candidates in the summer and Lincolnshire Police remains truly committed to providing the very best service to all communities within the county,” he added.
When the drive was announced last year, Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Bill Skelly said:
“It is essential we bridge these gaps with our communities and we will continue to put the right people with the right skills in positions where they can make a huge difference.”
