Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed the announcement that Derbyshire Constabulary has been bolstered by an additional 67 officers since the Government launched its major police recruitment drive over a year ago.
The addition of these new officers brings the total number of police across Derbyshire Constabulary up to 1,827, 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 on track to meet its manifesto commitment of recruiting 20,000 extra officers by 2023, and has hit its 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 (BAME). In total there are now 9,871 BAME police officers across English and Welsh forces.
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.
Alongside the recruitment campaign, the Government has announced the second round of the Safer Streets Fund—backed by £20 million of new funding—to crack down on neighbourhood crimes that blight our communities. This cash will enable Police & Crime Commissioners and local authorities to make crime-cutting interventions in residential areas, helping to ensure that people feel safe in their communities.
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.
Robert recently launched his High Peak Crime Survey to enable local people to share their views and experiences of crime in the High Peak.
Robert has promised to read every response to the survey and feedback the results to the local Police. The survey can found online at robertlargan.co.uk/crimesurvey.
Robert Largan, MP for the High Peak, said:
“Getting more police officers onto our streets is a priority for local people and it’s a priority for me, so I’m really pleased that in just over one year, the Conservative Government has already delivered an extra 67 officers across Derbyshire.
“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 the 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 the public and our communities safe, so that people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.
“Over 700 local people have already responded to my High Peak Crime Survey. I want to hear your views and your experiences of your part of the High Peak. Please do take 5 minutes to fill in it in.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“I am determined to make our streets safer, which is why I am delighted we have beaten our own target to recruit 6,000 additional police officers by March 2021.
“Many of these new officers are already on our streets helping to fight the coronavirus pandemic, and for that they get my huge thanks.
“These new officers, on top of further funding to tackle crimes such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime will ensure the police have the powers, tools and resources they need to cut crime and make you feel safer in your community.”
Photo taken prior to lockdown
