CUMBRIA police have issued an appeal to retired officers, asking them to return to duties as the county battles through the coronavirus pandemic.

Last month senior officers in the county warned that the force would have to temporarily change the way it worked as the effects of the public health crisis hit home, creating an entirely new set of policing challenges.

One of the key issues was likely to be absenteeism rates as officers and staff either fell ill with the virus or faced the necessity to self-isolate.

One senior officer said that as many as one in four officers might have to stay away from work.

Superintendent Lisa Hogan said: “If you are a retired officer sat at home at the moment and wondering how you can help in the very challenging time that we are facing right now, we would really like to hear from you.

“It is of the upmost importance to us that we are able to continue serving the people of Cumbria when they need us the most and your help could be really beneficial to the force and to the public.

“If you would like to find out more information about the scheme, please just send us an email or pick up the phone and we will be happy to answer any questions”.

Pay and annual leave entitlement on re-appointment will be at the same level as prior to retiring if returning to the same role, or applicable to the role applied for.

The re-joiners scheme currently only applies to the federated ranks, however applications from Superintendents will be considered. Last month, Cumbria Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Andy Slattery said the force would probably have to redeploy some officers into ‘core roles’ if the most extreme predictions for coronavirus were realised.

If you have already retired from policing or are due to be retiring shortly and are interested in getting involved in helping keep Cumbria safe, you can visit the website www.cumbria.police.uk/Recruiting/Jobs/Vacancies/Transferee.aspx or send any questions about the scheme to policeofficerrecruit@cumbria.police.uk