Shortages of mid-ranking supervisors has led to forces launching campaigns to entice people into transferring – or coming back to policing to fill key roles.

GMP has launched a major recruitment drive  'across all roles' including a pledge to accomodate returning or transferring officers in jobs that are closer to where they live so they won't have to move house.  

The local Federation has questioned whether the  approach is unfair to internal officers with an eye on promotion, 

GMP is not the only force look for transferees. 

British Transport Police and Lincolnshire are looking for Superintendents and both have posted invitations on a major careers website.

BTP wants a Detective Superintendent for its Major, Serious and Organised Crime (MSOC) Unit, describing the job as “a unique and interesting opportunity”. .Applications are welcomed from substantive Detective Superintendents.

Lincolnshire made no secret of its interest in officers currently based elsewhere.

“There are upcoming Superintendent opportunities, open to substantive Chief Inspectors on promotion and also substantive Superintendents looking for a lateral move,” it said.

West Mercia has gone out to market with applications being invited “from experienced Chief Inspectors or Inspectors”.

The force wants people with substantial knowledge of contemporary policing issues, proven experience of performance management and an outstanding track record of delivering successful change for improved service to the public.

The force said: “You must be people focused, resilient, operationally strong and a good team player with a proven track record in leading teams to achieve organisational priorities.”

Shortages of detectives has been a critical issue because of the pay drop when officers leave response work – and serious concerns over workload.

Hampshire is taking a different approach to its drive to find detective inspectors by approaching recently retired officers.

“We currently have exciting opportunities available for individuals who have previously been a police officer and served with a UK Police Force but are not in receipt of their pension. As well as being one of the largest forces in the country, Hampshire has more police officers in front-line roles than average,” it said.

But it’s Greater Manchester that has jolted the sector.

It has opened recruitment across multiple specialisms – including roads policing and detectives – with an offer to other forces as well as recently retired officers.

But it is offering applicants “one of the largest choices of career paths” across all areas.

“We’re welcoming transferees and returnees for any role,” the force said.

Applicants can pick any specialism, any location and any role.

“If you’re successful, we will invest in you and we will train you to do that role with GMP, If your role allows, we’ll accommodate where you want to work. Move force, not house when you join GMP,” the force said.

But GMP’s Federation said the decision could impact on current officers who have an eye on promotion – especially those who have been placed under embargo from moving.

GMP Fed Chair Lee Broadbent said: “It doesn’t seem like a very balanced approach from our perspective. We can understand why they need external candidates – and the need to keep experienced officers in post. But it has a knock-on effect because internal people who want to develop will feel there’s a lack of opportunity."

He added: “It’s like when mobile phone companies only make their best offers to new customers.”