Guernsey Police needs 'fresh blood', says chief officer

More police officers may be recruited to Guernsey Police in the near future, according to its chief officer.

Patrick Rice said a frequent injection of "fresh blood" was needed if the force was to survive, especially while the economy was slow.

Eight new constables will be sworn in at Guernsey's Royal Court on Tuesday, completed their training in Jersey.

The chief officer said work was under way to decide whether to recruit more officers during 2012.

The new starters were taken on following a recruitment drive in April 2011 aimed at bringing Guernsey Police up to its full compliment of 169 officers.

Their training in Jersey marked the first year of a joint course for new police officers and the next round of training for both islands will be held in Guernsey.