Merseyside Police have launched a recruitment drive for 200 constables.
The 200 person scheme will boost the struggling police force after it has shed 1600 jobs over six years of funding cuts.
The force has been made to use a “stripped back” service in order to meet cost-cutting demands.
Just last year chief constable Sir Jon Murphy had warned that the region could be left exposed in the face of a major incident as a result of further planned cuts.
He predicted the force would lose a further 1, nurse 000 staff by 2019 and need a “radical restructure”.
But today he announced the first recruitment drive by the force in three years.
Welcoming the campaign, he said: “I am delighted that the force is in a position to recruit new police officers this year.
“Merseyside Police is committed to maintaining a professional and effective police force and providing our communities with the best possible service for the public of Merseyside.”
His words were backed by Ms Kennedy, who thanked the public for backing recent calls to raise the council tax precept that helps fund local policing.
Backing the recruitment bid, she said: ?“Thankfully, following some detailed financial planning we have now been able to balance the budget and that means for the first time in three years we are in the fortunate position to be able to encourage new people to apply to join the Merseyside Police family.
“I thank the public of Merseyside for so generously supporting a small increase to the policing precept of their Council Tax, which in part has enabled this to take place.”
For details on how to apply, visit www.merseyside.police.uk