Hampshire Police has raised the maximum entry-age for new officers from 44
to 50 in an effort to combat recruitment problems.
Director of personnel Maureen Adamson said the policy was changed because
the Hampshire force has "a number of officers aged between 44 and 60 who
are very capable and fit".
Adamson said forces across the South-East face recruiting difficulties. In
Hampshire alone she estimates 460 new officers are needed in the next year – a
record number of vacancies.
She said the increased recruitment age would still offer a good return on
the investment needed to train new staff.
"If we get five years out of an officer that is a reasonable return on
our investment. If we get 10 years then that is a great return."
