The force has announced plans to advertise around 1,150 new posts - of which 800 will be new, frontline officers.

The move will also see the addition of 150 police community support officers (PCSOs) and 200 specialist staff over three years. West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, said the recruitment was possible following an efficiency drive.

A website for people to register their interest in becoming an officer will open and specific roles will be advertised soon. 

The force, the second biggest in England, has about 7,000 officers policing Birmingham, the Black Country and Coventry.

In 2014, it took on about 450 officers, ending a five-year recruitment freeze which it said followed government funding cuts.