Police in Essex have been hit by a training crisis which could lead to a shortfall in officer numbers. The county force has 615 recruits interviewed and ready to start.
But because of a lack of places on Government courses it can expect to send just 256 for training next year.
Chief Constable David Stevens has estimated 275 new police constables will be needed to maintain current levels and replace those leaving.
Speaking at an Essex Police Authority meeting Mr Stevens said: "This leaves us with an inability to claw back the shortfall. We want to engage the Home Office in dialogue to increase the capacity of training schools."
He said Essex Police were considering bringing in trainers to run internal courses, but the move would bring all sorts of practical implications.
Police authority member Brian Kelly said: "Something has to be done to make sure we get this right. A huge amount of work has been done to get the right people and get them interviewed and now we've got them that's where they're going to stay. Let's get them in as fast as possible."
Anthony Jackson said: "To be told we can't even stay where we are because of a lack of training resources is unacceptable."
Essex Police's head of training Supt David Folkard said 256 places was the current number discussed with police training authority Centrex.
Supt Folkard said officers could be transferred in from other forces to fill the gap. "There is still work being done on how many recruits will be trained," he said.
Published Friday December 17, 2004
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