NEW recruits to Cheshire Police have ensured that the force currently has its highest number of police officers in more than a decade.

Last weekend, 42 new officers celebrated ‘passing out’ at the Cheshire Police headquarters in Winsford, and they will now be on the frontline across the county.

The intake means the total number of police officers in Cheshire has surpassed the 2,400 mark – the highest in more than 10 years.

The ceremony came just two days after the latest chief constable awards were handed out to deserving individuals who have gone above and beyond the line of duty, as well as officers collecting awards for 20 and 30 years of long service.

Recipients included an officer who saved the life of a vulnerable female after she became trapped in an unseen drainage channel, and another who prevented a teenage girl from falling from a building onto a railway line.

Cheshire Police chief constable Mark Roberts said: “Making Cheshire even safer is my top priority, and by bringing in new recruits, we continue to achieve that aim.

“We are now at a number that surpasses any previous levels inside the last decade, and that is testament to the hard work of a number of departments, as well as the dedication of our applicants.

“Crime rates in Cheshire continue to drop, and I hope that with this increase in police officer numbers, we will see that drop even further, while bringing offenders to justice.

“We want to make Cheshire a hostile place for criminals – and those intent on committing crime should know that it will not be tolerated.

“I am proud of the work our officers do and the levels which they go to, ensuring offenders are brought to justice and victims receive the support they need.”

If you are interested in joining Cheshire Police, visit cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/careers/careers/