Samantha Sheldon, 23, did work experience with the police and has wanted to fight crime since she was a youngster.
But, after being away for more than a year travelling to Australia after university, Samantha has put on hold her plans for a dream career in the force because of "political correctness gone mad".

Samantha returned home to Astley, near Leigh, in May and applied to Greater Manchester Police for a civilian job as a project assistant.
But she was told that because of Home Office and GMP vetting policy, she could not be considered because of "non-discrimination and fairness" rules.

The rules state that non-British applicants must have spent the last three years in the UK to be considered.
But in the interests of fairness, it also applies to UK residents who have also been absent for an extended period in those three years.

The letter said: "In all cases, non-British applicants must have resided within the UK for a three-year period.
"To ensure that vetting is carried out in a fair and non-discriminatory way, the residency requirement also applies to UK residents who have been absent for an extended period during the preceding three years."

Samantha, who graduated with a degree in sociology, said: "I have always wanted to be a policewoman, but when I came back in May I found that GMP were not recruiting.
"I decided to try for a police staff job instead. I applied for the position of project assistant and the letter arrived. I was excited as I thought it was calling me for an interview. Now I don't know what to do for the next three years.

"I found some information on the Home Office website which said some groups were exempt from the rule.
"It gave the example of backpackers who have been away for six to 12 months. I can only assume that if I had come back earlier, I would have been OK."

Samantha said she did not understand why she should be "penalised" for wanting to explore another country after university. She added: "This is political correctness gone mad."

A GMP spokesman said: "National vetting policy states anyone applying for a job with the police service must have been a resident here for at least three consecutive years.
"This requirement is in order to meet the stringent vetting procedures which all GMP staff must be subject to.

"We recognise this can be a significant bar to people and are currently reviewing the process to see if it can be relaxed in any way without compromising the organisation.

"We are willing to speak to potential employees who fall into this category if they believe they can provide other evidence to meet the vetting requirements."