Police officers who have quit the force are being lured back in a bid to fulfil the Government's promise of 300 additional frontline staff in South Auckland.
Police say they are in touch with about 80 former officers who would like to return.
Counties-Manukau Assistant Commissioner Steve Shortland says it will be a challenge to recruit 300 extra officers, but the experienced former officers will be a good addition.
Mr Shortland says not all of them will be accepted and those who are will have to be brought up to speed on latest practices.
He says policing has changed a lot in the past five years and each officer will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Manukau Mayor Len Brown says he wants the recruitment drive to allow more emphasis on fighting drug crime.
