South Yorkshire Police call for retired officers to return during outbreak

The force said it was opening a broad range of opportunities to former employees to help add extra resilience during the outbreak.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson (pictured) said: “We are currently living in exceptional times.

“There has not been a period in recent history when the contribution of our emergency services has been so critical for communities across South Yorkshire and the rest of the country.

“We are well prepared and equipped to deal with this pandemic. Our officers will remain on the frontline and we will be here for the people in South Yorkshire who need us.

“In these unprecedented times, however, we are also calling upon those who have left us to consider returning to duties to provide a tremendous public service. 

“The skillsets of these former colleagues will be invaluable as we get on with the job in front of us.”

The call follows a Home Office announcement of support to help with police numbers, including a commitment to relax tax and pension rules.

The force is welcoming all expressions of interest, particularly from retired officers, investigative officers or those currently on a career break, as well as former Atlas Court staff with experience in the contact resolution unit, force crime bureau and switchboard.

Email [email protected] to find out more.