Since the governments recruitment drive in September 2019, I am delighted to see an extra 60 Police officers on the streets of Derbyshire.
Across England and Wales more than 3,000 extra officers have joined the police since the recruitment campaign was launched, confirming the government is on track to recruit 20,000 extra officers over the next three years.
In total, forces recruited 6,435 officers from November 2019 to March 2020, including recruitment planned before the government campaign was announced – with 3,005 recruits joining the police specifically as part of the uplift programme.
There are now a total of 1,887 officers in Derbyshire, with 131,596 across England and Wales.
The recruitment drive is at the centre of the government’s commitment to back the police with more resources, powers and support to keep communities safe.
I am also pleased to see the biggest funding boost for the police in over a decade. The funding will provide over 8,000 more officers with Taser to keep themselves and the public safe, expanded stop and search powers, and plans to consult on increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting police officers and other emergency service workers.
As we face a national emergency with the Coronavirus, the Police have been doing an excellent job helping to enforce rules, protecting the NHS and saving lives. But we must also do our part to help support them. So in response, we have made testing available to all our police officers and support staff and relaxed tax rules to encourage officers nearing retirement and those recently retired to serve.
The work they do along with the other emergency services is vital. I would like to thank them for their service and dedication protecting the public and keeping our streets safe.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said, “Each one of these brave officers will make a difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe. For many, their first role has been to join the fight to stop the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.
“Thanks to new digital assessment centres, the doors remain wide open for anyone who wants to join them and make a difference in their community.
“Getting more police officers on the streets is an absolute priority for the British people – and this Government.”
