Up to 650 civilians are to be recruited by the police service in an initiative to put more officers back on the beat.

Under the plan announced on Wednesday, the police will advertise a number of posts including CCTV operators, receptionists, security guards and technicians.

It is the latest move to bolster the under-strength police service since the retirement of hundreds of officers with the introduction of new policing arrangements.

There are opportunities right across Northern Ireland and these jobs represent a major boost to local areas Prof Desmond Rea Policing Board

More than 350 police recruits have joined the force within the past year but the Chief Constable, Hugh Orde, has said he is still short of the number of experienced officers he requires.

Acting Assistant Chief Constable for Belfast Maggie Hunter said: "Every additional officer we can get out from behind a desk and back on to patrol is going to make a difference in the fight against crime."

The 650 new employees will be recruited on a 50-50 basis between Protestants and Catholics. Another 250 are being sought to fill existing civilian vacancies. The force currently has 3,200 civilian workers.

Joe Stewart, the senior director of human resources, said: "The recruitment of these civilians will allow more officers to get back on the beat."

SDLP policing spokesman Alex Attwood said the move would see more police serving local communities.

"The civilianisation of the PSNI also is evidence of the Policing Board bringing about a normal police service and society," he said.

The chairman of the Policing Board, Professor Desmond Rea, said the recruitment of civilians was a key part of the PSNI's human resources strategy.

"Whatever the job, there are opportunities right across Northern Ireland and these jobs represent a major boost to local areas," he said.