The failure of Hertfordshire Constabulary to attract enough new recruits to fill its vacancies could put staff morale and officers' health at risk, according to an independent report.

A firm of consultants which was appointed by Hertfordshire Constabulary to carry out a review of its recruitment operations has found that they could be significantly improved.

The force currently has a shortfall of 240 officers and the consultants estimated that, on current performance, the target of 2,050 officers would not be achieved until early 2005. The company warned that the recruitment difficulties were causing officers to work more overtime, which could result in more officers leaving their jobs and risks to their health.

In particular, the report, by OTD Consulting, highlighted the length of time it was taking to recruit officers in Hertfordshire, compared to other constabulary areas.

The average time it has taken to recruit an officer in the county this year is 202 days, which compares badly to Bedfordshire, where it has taken between just 60 and 90 days.

OTD Consulting pointed out that Hertfordshire's recruitment team had been without a manager for more than a year, and that information was not easily available for potential applicants.

The constabulary is set to spend £40,000 on extra recruitment staff, develop an apprentice scheme and focus more on recruiting undergraduates and ex-armed forces personnel.