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West Mercia Police Authority has praised the high standards of its staff, which includes retired police officers who have been re-employed in civilian roles.

As reported by James Savage, West Mercia Police Authority has defended the recruitment process which allows large numbers of retired police officers to be re-employed in civilian roles.

Worcester News recently reported how 168 retired police officers have been re-employed by the force as civilians - receiving a total of more than £3 million each year in pensions.

Councillor Sheila Blagg, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, said: “The Police Authority examines the recruitment processes and ensures through its scrutiny panels that the process is equal, open and fair to all including retired police staff or officers.

“We have always been pleased with the overall standard of the skills and expertise of officers and staff employed within West Mercia but they would not receive preferential treatment when applying for vacancies.”

A spokeswoman from the force added how officers pay into the police pension scheme while those who come back to the force in civilian roles can opt in, if they choose, to the local government pension scheme.

Across the UK, most police forces are actively seeking the skills, knowledge and experience of former and retired police offers. Search for jobs here to find employment opportunities in variety of support and civilian crime fighting roles.