POLICE chiefs are struggling to retain officers after they have completed their probation because the cost of living in the area is too high, it was revealed this week.

Hertfordshire Police Federation chairman Alan Kemp said the recruitment of officers was improving but retaining them was proving as difficult as ever.

"Hertfordshire and St Albans in particular faces a massive problem with officers moving to other forces where housing costs are far less than they are here and the standard of living is cheaper.

"It costs the Government £98,000 to recruit and train an officer but here in Hertfordshire it's extremely difficult to keep hold of officers once they have completed their two year probation.

"All too often they move back to where they have come from and their forces are all too keen to take them because they don't have to pick up the training costs."

Mr Kemp said government initiatives such as key worker housing schemes were a "drop in the ocean" and were not addressing the needs of forces across the South East.

"We were offered funding for a total of 24 houses but when you consider we are aiming to recruit 35 officers every five weeks then that's nothing.

"Hertfordshire Constabulary is pressing other forces to join us in lobbying the Government for a realistic South East pay allowance which is vital if we are to stop haemorrhaging officers to other forces."

Home Office figures revealed that the number of officers in Hertfordshire fell to 1,825 in March this year, a loss of 97 officers since March 2001.

The force has partially recovered that loss and its current strength stands at 1,910 with a target of 2,050 that it hopes to achieve by January next year.

To date this year, the force has recruited an average of 27 officers every five weeks compared to an average of 18 per intake last year.

Potential PCs are invited to an open day at Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on Saturday as part of Hertfordshire police's on-going recruitment drive.

The open day, between 10.30am and 3.30pm, is for people interested in becoming a police officer to find out more about the force and how to apply.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take part in physical assessments and have a mock interview.

September 30, 2002 18:00