I AM delighted with the news that since September 2019, an additional 944 Police Officers have been recruited to West Midlands Police.
The latest figures are part of the Government’s drive to get 20,000 more police officers on the street by March 2023 and puts it on track to fulfil its manifesto commitment with 77 per cent of the target now met.
The latest figures also show that the police are more representative of the communities they serve.
There are now more female police officers than since records began with over 50,000 women in forces across England and Wales. Of the recruits hired since April 2020, 42.5 per cent are women.
The 15,343 extra officers will support the Government’s crackdown on crime, which has seen the launch of the Beating Crime Plan and the passing of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act – reducing crime, protecting victims, and making the country safer.
This Government is continuing to tackle crime – including boosting police funding to £16.9billion and boosting police officer pay, with every police officer receiving a £1,900 uplift to their salary this year.
I work closely with West Midlands Police and I know how hard they work every day to keep the streets of Solihull safe.
An additional 944 police on our streets will play a huge role in pursuing criminals, keeping neighbourhoods safe, protecting victims, and reassuring the law-abiding majority.
