§ Mr. McMasterasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to improve recruitment in the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HowellThe Police Authority for Northern Ireland, together with the Royal Ulster Constabulary, is taking all possible steps to improve recruitment. Thirteen recruiting officers are engaged full-time in an effort to encourage men and women from all sections of the community to join. All avenues of recruitment—schools, employment exchanges, careers masters, armed services rehabilitation officers—are approached.
The Police Authority is also conducting an advertising campaign which consists of regular insertions in three Belfast papers, periodical use of the weekly provincial papers and occasional use of other specialised publications, the production of posters for display outside police stations and for use by recruiting officers at careers talks and for the publication of a large colour recruitment brochure.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary stand at this year's Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Show had a strong recruiting content, and it is planned to have a recruiting caravan at local agricultural shows and other suitable functions throughout the Province.