South Yorkshire Police asks retired cops to re-join force

The force is advertising its ‘Police Return Scheme’ and so far 11 applications have been received from retired cops keen to re-join.

LATEST: Funeral fund target almost met for young man stabbed to death in Sheffield

South Yorkshire Police said the recruitment drive will help the force retain ‘officers with valuable skills and experience’ who would ordinarily retire.

COURT: 'Ideal couple' Sheffield dad let baby daughter take drugs, court hears

The scheme allows police officers to retire but then return as fully attested officers after a short break of service.

Officers who retire can still take a lump sum in lieu of some of their pension before re-joining the force on a full time wage.

South Yorkshire Police said: “We are keen to retain the skills and experience of officers who have left the force, and we are aware that many officers are keen to re-join after retirement.”

The scheme is running alongside a national recruitment drive for 20,000 new bobbies.

An extra 700 officers are wanted by South Yorkshire Police to boost numbers but the force also needs to recruit another 700 to replace those who are due to leave over the next three years.

The force said: “We are optimistic that we can achieve the numbers we have agreed, both locally and nationally.

“We have so far run two recruitment campaigns for new police officers, one in September 2019 and a campaign in January 2020. Across both campaigns, over 3,000 people registered their interest in applying to become police officers.

“The force is committed to increasing its establishment by over 700 officers – this includes an additional 220 as pledged by the Chief Constable by 2023/24.

“In addition, the force will recruit over 700 officers over the next three years to replace anticipated leavers.”

Sergeant Steve Kent, of the Police Federation, said: “We broadly support the scheme.

“It is important to retain valuable experience in the coming years where we will have a large number of new recruits coming through our doors.

“It might not suit everyone on leaving or retiring from the force, however for those who want to continue in policing this is a really good opportunity to do so.”