The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley has welcomed yesterday’s (8/10) announcement which will see an additional 183 police officers for the region in 2020-21.
These figures were announced as part of yesterday’s National Policing Board (8/10). Thames Valley will be able to recruit an additional 183 officers in the first year of the scheme (2020-21) with figures for years two and three of the uplift scheme yet to be confirmed.
Government funding for recruitment in 2020-21 will cover all associated costs, including training and kit.
This announcement follows a number of positive conversations between the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley and the government in recent weeks.
Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “I am pleased to hear yesterday’s announcement, following my recent positive discussions with the government. This addition of 183 new officers for 2020-2021 will ensure that Thames Valley Police can continue to keep our communities safe and continue to protect the most vulnerable in the region.
“I will continue to press the need for the Thames Valley to receive the share of these new officers it requires but this is a great start.”
Yesterday’s announcement is in addition to the £8.5m investment from council tax which has funded 209 officers and staff supporting frontline policing (such as call handlers).
Speaking at the time of the policing budget announcement in January, Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said: “After funding pay and price rise, the increase in Council Tax enables me to invest around £8.5m in a number of priority policing areas.”
“These include the recruitment of additional officers to respond to increasing crime demand and complexity, improved service to the public in investment in 101 call handling, the recruitment of investigators to tackle complex crime and, investment in technology to improve productivity and efficiency.”
In August, Thames Valley Police launched its new careers website and hosted a Facebook Live event focused on recruitment.
