THE Greater Manchester Police Federation is calling on metro mayor Andy Burnham to work with police to fill 200 detective roles.

Federation chairman Stu Berry wants the re-elected mayor to step in and to help with the recruitment drive and invest in a detective academy to "secure the long-team prospects" of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Mr Berry, who plans to meet Mr Burnham and incoming Chief Constable Steven Watson to discuss the proposals, has said the current situation is "unsustainable".

He said: “At our first meeting, we will discuss the investment in the workforce.

“We need to see a considerable investment in the way we recruit and especially retain our experienced police officers. We need to look at why officers are leaving the force.

“But most importantly, a significant increase in investment into the detective area of business.

"The 200 or so vacancies that we’re currently carrying in GMP can’t continue.

"We’re trying to bring in investment to start up an academy at Sedgley Park where people are brought in and are taken through the step change to becoming a detective and how to investigate, the courses it entails, and a gentle step to approach into that world so we can support them through the process which will keep people there and attract more people.

"That’s what we want, that investment from the mayor.”

Mr Berry added that, although it is important the federation has a strong relationship with the mayor, it is vital he Chief Constable's leadership role is not undermined.

In response, Mr Burnham is "very sympathetic" to the federation's calls and has identified the issue with the acting chief constable.

He added that "action has already been taken on it to a degree" and he will have talks with Mr Watson when he starts his job about the topic along with strengthening neighbourhood policing, which the new chief has committed to do, according to Mr Burnham.