- Newly released figures show that 269 police officers have been recruited in Thames Valley as part of the Conservative Government’s pledge to put 20,000 more officers on the streets by 2023.
Thames Valley PCC, Matthew Barber, has welcomed the announcement that 269 police officers have been recruited in Thames Valley since September 2019, bringing the total number of officers up to 4,519. The latest figures show that Thames Valley Police now have more police officers than ever before as numbers have passed the previous high in 2010.
In total, an extra 9,814 police officers have been recruited across all 43 police forces in England and Wales, bringing the total number of police officers in England and Wales up to 138,574 – where they are already having an impact in tackling crime and keeping communities safe.
The recruitment drive is also helping to make police more representative of the communities they serve. More than 6,000 female officers have been recruited since April 2020, making up more than four in ten of all new recruits.
There are also more black, Asian and other ethnic minorities employed as officers across forces than at any other time in the country’s history, making up over one in ten of the new recruits.
The latest figures follow the launch of the Conservative Government’s Beating Crime Plan – aimed at reducing crime, protecting victims and making the country safer.
This builds on the action taken by the Conservative Government since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister two years ago – including boosting police funding to a record £15.8 billion, passing the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill through the House of Commons, and delivering £45 million through the Safer Streets Fund to make neighbourhoods secure.
Commenting, Matthew Barber said:
“As part of my plan for Thames Valley I am looking to the future to deliver even more police officers to tackle crime in local communities and drive down crime.
“The 269 extra police officers for Thames Valley will help to cut crime, keep neighbours secure, and reassure the law abiding majority that they are safe.
“These officers are only just the start and recruitment continues apace. To find out more about joining Thames Valley Police visit tvpcareers.co.uk.”
Commenting, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I am delighted we are already almost half-way there in delivering our commitment of 20,000 more police officers to fight crime by 2023.
“These figures aren’t just numbers. It means that thousands more police are out in communities protecting people, making our streets safer and supporting victims through some of the most difficult experiences of their lives.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“It is fantastic that we are well on track to meet our target of recruiting 20,000 extra police officers by 2023. These 9,814 officers are already making a difference in neighbourhoods up and down the country, bearing down on criminals and keeping people safe.
“This increase in police numbers and the Beating Crime Plan we launched yesterday show the Government’s determination to back the police, give them the powers they need to take away knives, shut down drug gangs and protect communities and vulnerable people from harm.”
