There have been over 17,000 requests for information about Northern Ireland's new police service.
Police Authority vice-chairman Prof Herb Wallace stressed the urgent need for a further £20 million sterling British government investment to offset critical under-funding. But he expressed confidence requirements for 50-50 Catholic and Protestant representation among new recruits to the force would be met.
Prof Wallace was speaking as the authority today set out its final blueprint for policing priorities over the next 12 months.
The independent oversight body is due to be replaced by the Policing Board to scrutinise the new Police Service of Northern Ireland.
A recruitment drive for the force, which is to succeed the RUC, is already under way in an attempt to secure equal numbers from the North's two communities.
The latest figures disclosed by Prof Wallace demonstrated the massive response to the advertising campaign.
"The latest figure I have heard is 17,000, but these are not applications, I have to say. These are requests for documentation.
"The closing date doesn't arrive until the end of this month so we can't be sure at the moment how many applications there will be."
The new Policing Plan 2001-2002 drawn up jointly by the authority and the RUC sets out a list of objectives for the force to achieve over the next 12 months.
The plan, based on consultation with people across Northern Ireland, aims to tackle issues such as violent crime, public order and racketeering.
PA