Step this way is Counties-Manukau call

Counties Manukau police are desperately searching for at least 100 locals to fight crime.

The residents must be aged between 19 and 42 and they must not have any criminal convictions.

If the search is successful, the men and women will become the next frontline staff in one of the country's busiest police districts.

Last night a special campaign, Operation StepUp, was launched with the hope of finding 100 recruits to join a district that has struggled with several scandals this year, including a Counties Manukau officer being found guilty of assault.

That case prompted a judge to describe a sick culture within the police and a sweeping inquiry was set up.

Counties Manukau Inspector Neil Adams said the district had been subjected to "some negative commentary during the past several months" and it had taken a toll on recruiting.

But Counties Manukau was a good area to work in and the job was rewarding.

Mr Adams said the district had also been allocated funding for 30 new positions - all of which need to be filled as soon as possible.

The goal was to try to find recruits from within the district.

"In the past recruits have been posted ... from as afield as Dunedin or Invercargill, so invariably they want to go back home after doing their probationary time in this district.

"By recruiting in our own area we know we will get people who will want to stay on."

The recruitment campaign will run for three months. Seminars are being held for potential recruits.

A dozen of the district's top officers will be available to help recruits through the process.

Joining the police

* Seminars held at the Manukau City Council buildings, 7pm on:

* Tuesday June 7, Monday July 4, Monday August 29, Monday September 5, Monday October 17, Monday November 7.

* A seminar will be held at Pukekohe Town Hall on Monday August 8.

* Phone 0800 NEW COPS (0800 639- 2677) to register.