Police look to be more inclusive as extra funding boosts recruitment - The Redditch Standard

Police look to be more inclusive as extra funding boosts recruitment

Redditch Editorial 31st Oct, 2019   0

THERE could be more bobbies on the beat in Redditch after it was announced West Mercia Police is to receive an increase in investment.

News of a provisional allocation of almost £450,000 to support the recruitment of officers has been welcomed by the force’s Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.

He will work with the force to ensure the funding is best spent on recruiting, training and delivering extra resources such as vehicles, buildings, IT equipment and uniform for the first tranche of 93 extra officers, due to be in place by March 2021.

Further investments are expected as part of the government’s commitment to recruit 20,000 police officers nationally.




The 93 officers are in addition to the 215, which the PCC has already invested in, who are due to be in post by the end of this year.

PCC Campion said: “This Home Office investment is welcome news for our communities, who want more visible and accessible policing.”


Martin Evans, Assistant Chief Constable of West Mercia Police, added: “Every part of our policing area will see a welcome boost as the new officers complete their training and go on patrol or begin their work to solve problems in local communities.

“The new recruits, together with the police officers, PCSOs, Special Constables, police staff and volunteers that we already have, will be able to make a visible and welcome difference to our communities.

“Our focus remains on attracting and retaining the best applicants from a range of backgrounds to serve the public.

“A substantial uplift in officer numbers like this gives us the ideal opportunity to increase the diversity of our workforce.

“With a larger, more representative and diverse workforce, we know we can be more effective in improving the public’s confidence and trust in policing and be a more inclusive force.”

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