Force is with you

Working closely with the 3Ds Partnership, Greater Manchester Police are hoping to encourage people in Deane, Derby and Daubhill to join an access course later this year to find out more about a career with the police service.

One opportunity has already developed and the 3Ds Partnership are hoping to identify a project co-ordinator to make sure things runs smoothly.

Joyce Fenton, GMP's assistant personnel director said: "We have run a number of access courses in the central Manchester area over the past four years, but have never been able to offer the programme specifically in the Bolton area before. The course aims to encourage people, particularly from the ethnic minority population, to consider applying for a career with the police. Police work can be difficult and even unpleasant at times, but it is also immensely varied and rewarding. No two days are ever the same and if you enjoy variety and contact with the public, this could be the job for you."

She added: "Unlike virtually every other career, every police officer starts out at the bottom as a police constable and there are good opportunities for career development. Not everyone can make it to Chief Constable, but every Chief Constable started their career as a PC."

Although GMP has a better track record of recruiting across the widest community than most forces, Joyce Fenton admits they are still under-represented from the ethnic minority community.

Mike Bellairs from the 3Ds Partnership said: "This is an excellent opportunity to make a positive contribution to the 3Ds area. We are delighted to support this programme and hope it will generate a lot of interest from the local community. We are still in the early stages of planning, but I can already see there is a lot to be gained from getting involved."

For more details on the scheme contact Mike Bellairs before March 5 on 524262.

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