Gloucestershire police postpone recruitment

Gloucestershire police are to postpone further intakes of new recruits until the government's comprehensive spending review in the autumn.

The force lifted its freeze on officer recruitment in April and a series of three intakes of recruits had been planned over the following 12 months.

The first intake began in July 2010 but the second two have been postponed.

Assistant Chief Constable Ivor Twydell said: "It is obviously very disappointing news."

'Wouldn't be prudent'

He said: "It's not a decision we have taken lightly. Unfortunately, it reflects a financial situation being felt across the country.

"We are as keen as anyone else to continue to maintain a steady stream of high-calibre recruits into Gloucestershire Constabulary, but it simply wouldn't be prudent to continue to recruit until we have a better idea of what the long-term financial landscape looks like for us."

The government review will outline its spending priorities for the future when it is published in October.

Individual police forces are unlikely to know the level of their funding until December.

A statement from the force said: "Only after that point will the constabulary be in a position to make informed decisions regarding future police officer staffing levels."