FEARS have been raised that Cumbria Police could lose skilled officers after the number of people quitting more than doubled. 

Nearly 40 officers left the force in the three months to July, a number chiefs admit is “higher than usual”. 

The county’s crime commissioner said this total was “more than double the normal number of people leaving” as he spoke on the issue. 

Senior police believe recruitment among other employers may have played a part. 

A number of officers have ditched Cumbria Police to switch to the Civil Nuclear Constabulary at Sellafield. And the main police union, Cumbria Police Federation, has previously said officers are frustrated about changes in the service following cost-cutting. 

The subject of police quitting the force fell under the spotlight again at a meeting of senior crimefighting figures. 

Mr Rhodes said: “We have more than double the normal number of people leaving. 

“The constabulary is in danger of losing some skilled experienced officers. “It is an issue.” 

The county’s deputy chief constable, Michelle Skeer, said the force monitored officers’ reasons for leaving to pick up on any trends. “We look at how people feel working in the organisation,” she told the meeting. 

Chief Constable Jerry Graham said they wanted to “make people feel as much a part of the organisation as possible”.

Police previously said people were making “lifestyle choices”, adding the round-the-clock shift pattern was “not for everybody”. 

A report to the meeting said there was a recruitment campaign for officers during this period designed to ensure there is a “suitable pool of candidates for future intakes”.

Thirty six officers joined the force earlier this year and a further intake of 18 is planned for September.

The meeting was held at the force’s Carleton Hall headquarters, near Penrith.