Staffordshire Police after specials for 2012 Olympics

Up to 150 special officers are being recruited by Staffordshire Police to cover the extra security needed for the Olympics, the force says.

The force is expected to cut jobs over the next few years but denied that was why it was recruiting specials.

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale said his officers would be supporting colleagues in London for the 2012 policing operation.

He added the force had been recruiting special officers for some time.

"We set out quite some time ago to increase our special officers so policing in Staffordshire can continue in a good way," he said.

In February, the Police Federation said it expected up to 200 jobs to go over the next two to three years.

The force said it had to make budget savings but added it would make every effort to minimise job cuts.

Special officers are appointed voluntarily.