HERTFORDSHIRE'S police could be facing a major shortage of officers within the next two years, according to the force's own predictions.

The county's Chief Constable, Paul Acres, told the meeting of the Hertfordshire Police Authority last Thursday, he would do everything he could to increase staffing but forecast his force could be 200 officers short by 2002.

By then Hertfordshire's force will need to replace the officers currently seconded to it by the Metropolitan Police.

He blamed the likely shortfall on higher pay offered by the Metropolitan Police - which now pays some officers £6,000 more than some Hertfordshire officers - and recent recruitment drives by other neighbouring forces.

Mr Acres said: 'Recruitment and retention of officers is a major issue for us.

'A comprehensive action plan is being implemented, which addresses a variety of issues including pay and allowances, housing and advertising.

'I want to do everything possible to keep the officers already serving in Hertfordshire and attract more people to consider policing as a career, so we can maintain the high standard of service to the public.'

The change of police authority boundaries in April, which saw the Hertfordshire Constabulary take responsibility for the whole of the county, led to a need for an extra 290 officers.

More than 180 Metropolitan officers are currently seconded to work in the two divisions created by the changes - Hertsmere and Broxbourne - but these will return to their own force in March 2002.

Mr Acres is working with colleagues from other Home Counties forces to address the issue of the pay difference between their officers and Metropolitan officers.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is putting into place an action plan to attract more officers.

This will include helping officers get a first step in the property market, a high profile recruiting campaign and a survey of officers' views on priority issues, such as working conditions and job satisfaction.

A spokesman for the constabulary said: 'Policing is a vocation, where you can really make a difference to the community.

'It is an exciting and challenging job, with different demands every day.

'Being a police officer in Hertfordshire means being part of a professional team. There is a very good career structure and excellent training and support.'

Anybody interested in becoming a police officer in Hertfordshire can contact the constabulary on 01707 354354.

dallen@london.newsquest.co.uk