- New statistics show that over 6,620 extra officers have been recruited through the Government’s police recruitment drive, with 93 more in West Mercia alone.
- This shows that the Government remains on track to deliver on its manifesto commitment to recruit20,000 extra officers by 2023, and that the first target of 6,000 new officers by March 2021 has already been exceeded.
- These new officers will be crucial in the fight against coronavirus, as well as helping to drive down crime and to make streets safer
Rachel has welcomed the announcement that West Mercia has been bolstered by an additional 93 officers since the Government launched the major police recruitment drive over a year ago.
The addition of these new officers brings the total number of police across West Mercia up to 2,164 – meaning there are now more frontline officers on our streets to keep the public safe.
Since the launch of the Government’s recruitment campaign one year ago, a total of 6,620 extra officers have joined police forces across England and Wales.
These statistics confirm that the Government remains fully on track to meet its manifesto commitment of recruiting 20,000 extra officers by 2023 and has hit the target of recruiting 6,000 new officers by March 2021 well ahead of schedule.
The new statistics also show that the police workforce is now more diverse than ever before, with 10.2 per cent of new recruits identifying as Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic, and with 9,871 of all officers now being from these groups.
This recruitment drive is at the centre of the Government’s commitment to back the police with more resources, powers, and support to keep the public and their communities safe.
Other steps to support frontline police officers include a £636 million funding boost for police forces this year, bringing the total for police funding up to £15.8 billion, boosting police pay by 2.5 per cent, equivalent to a constable receiving an extra £1,100, and enshrining a new police covenant into law, which will offer enhanced support and protection for frontline officers.
Rachel said:
“As my constituents made very clear at the last election, they want to see more police on the streets of Redditch, and despite the challenges of the pandemic, this Government is getting on with delivering on our manifesto commitments.
“Every one of these officers will make an enormous difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe – and I know that many more will follow as this Government continues to deliver on its promise to recruit 20,000 more over the next three years.
“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we are keeping Redditch safe so that my constituents can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”
