EFFORTS by Hampshire police chiefs to recruit from ethnic mino-rities has resulted in an increase in black and Asian officers.

Between March and October this year, seven new officers from an ethnic minority background joined, increasing the total to 36 out of a force personnel of 3,492.

But this still falls a long way short of government guidelines, which requires the constabulary to work towards a target of 69 officers.

This number would reflect the 1.98 per cent ethnic population living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Serving black and Asian officers took part in recruitment days to break down misconceptions of daily life in the force.

Anyone who showed an interest in joining had the chance to follow an officer on the beat to get a taste of what they could expect.

Pc David Munisamy, a community beat officer at Winchester North Walls Police Station, was directly involved in the recruitment process.

David, 29, who has a Mauritian father, said: " I am pleased at the way that it has gone. I have really enjoyed it.

"Officers wanted to get involved in the process to show us in a good light and show people that the police force is not racist no more so than the rest of the community."

David, a police constable for three years, says getting more people to join is simple.

He said: "If you want to recruit more ethnic minority officers then you should pay police officers more money so it is comparable with the rest of society."

Assistant director of personnel Claire McKenna said: "We are very proud of the work being done by staff to make working for Hampshire Constabulary attractive to all members of the community."