MAKE a difference by becoming a police constable, Chief Constable Mike Veale is urging ahead of a recruitment drive.

Wiltshire Police will be accepting applications to become constables from 10am on Friday until 11pm on Sunday, October 16.

Mr Veale said: “Taking on the role of a police officer is a great career choice that offers individuals the opportunity to really make a difference within local communities.

“We have a strong ethos of equality and inclusion not only in the service we aim to provide but also within the organisation. We are looking for talented people who can put people first and engage with the increasingly diverse communities we serve.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “We want to recruit people who are dedicated to serving the public and who can embody the values and behaviours that are integral to Wiltshire Police.

“Police officers are frequently called upon to deal with a range of people, sometimes the most vulnerable in our society, and these are often in times of personal crisis.

“For that reason I hope that the force is able to select candidates with emotional intelligence that can carry out their duties conscientiously.

“Wiltshire and Swindon is a diverse community with different life experiences, genders, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and sexual orientations. I want Wiltshire Police to reflect this diversity and be a part of keeping our communities safe.

“I particularly encourage people in minority communities to apply for roles in Wiltshire Police.”

Police officers work closely with the community and undertake a variety of activities which relate to the prevention and detection of crime and the prosecution of offenders.

Applicants must be able to prove the following qualifications:

• Level 3 qualification (A-level Grade A*-E) or above, in any subject or equivalent (some key criteria or relevant experience may be acceptable);

• 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.

Applicants will be required to submit original copies of their educational qualifications, these will be returned.

There have the opportunity to access a pre-assessment preview until 5pm on Thursday, available on the Wiltshire Police website - www.wiltshire.police.uk - and applications have to be made online.