New figures released on Thursday (28/10) show that Thames Valley Police has increased the number of women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic recruits in the last 12 months.
Thames Valley Police say it has recruited over 12% more women police officers into the force over the last 12 months.
This is compared to the previous three-year average, bringing the number of women police officers in the force to 35.7%.
The number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic new police officer recruits has also increased by 7%, compared to the last three years. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic represent 13% of all new police officer recruits in the last 12 months.
The population of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the Thames Valley is 15.4%.
Results show the force also attracting people of all ages, with new police officer recruits ranging from 19 to early 50s.
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell said: “A diverse workforce is an important part of our operational effectiveness and is an essential element in maintaining public trust in policing with all of our communities.
“Attracting people from a range of backgrounds brings knowledge, expertise and insight and helps us to build stronger relationships with the public, enabling us to serve and protect them more effectively.
“We acknowledge the difficult times experienced recently in the world of policing, but we remain encouraged by the fact that more women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are applying to join us, to enjoy a fantastic career and make a difference to their communities.”
