Police Ranks Swell by 3,005 Officers Amid Major Recruitment Drive
Police forces across England and Wales have welcomed 3,005 new officers since the government launched its high-profile recruitment blitz, official figures reveal.
Crunch Numbers Show Major Boost
The recruitment push began in September 2019, aiming to add 20,000 officers over three years. Between November 2019 and March 2020 alone, forces recruited a total of 6,435 officers – including those signed up before the official drive kicked off.
Currently, police numbers stand at 131,596, marking a 5% increase since March 2019. Roughly half of this growth is thanks to the uplift programme.
Forces in England and Wales are on track to hit their target of recruiting 6,000 extra officers by March 2021.
Home Secretary Praises New Recruits
Home Secretary Priti Patel personally thanked the newest batch of cops during a Zoom call with Lancashire Constabulary recruits. She highlighted their vital frontline role, especially in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Each one of these brave officers will make a difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe. For many, their first role has been to join the fight to stop the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives,” Patel said.
“Thanks to new digital assessment centres, the doors remain wide open for anyone who wants to join them and make a difference in their community.”
“Getting more police officers on the streets is an absolute priority for the British people – and this Government.”
Recruitment Goes Digital During Lockdown
The College of Policing has rolled out online assessment centres, allowing recruitment to continue despite coronavirus restrictions. Candidates undergo situational judgement tests, briefing exercises, and interviews remotely.
The first forces trialling this tech include West Midlands and Hampshire, with national rollout planned for June.
College of Policing CEO Chief Constable Mike Cunningham said:
“The recruitment figures released today are extremely encouraging, showing huge progress in adding 20,000 officers over three years.”
“This investment also boosts diversity and equips recruits with skills to handle the job’s complexity.”
“We’re working hard to keep recruitment going during the emergency by introducing online assessments and other measures to get officers on the streets safely.”
Backing Police During the Pandemic
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) reported a 28% drop in crime in the opening weeks of the pandemic. Alongside recruitment, the government is supporting officers with:
- Coronavirus testing for all essential workers
- Tax breaks encouraging retired officers to return
- £84 million unlocked to fund police coronavirus efforts
NPCC Chair Martin Hewitt said:
“With over 3,000 new officers in seven months, we’re on track for 6,000 by next March.”
“Working with the Home Office, we’re overcoming COVID-19 challenges to maintain recruitment and training momentum.”
Biggest Police Backing in a Decade
The recruitment drive sits at the heart of a wider police support package, including the largest funding boost in ten years, new recognition for police service and sacrifice, more Tasers for officers, expanded stop and search powers, and plans to increase penalties for attacks on emergency workers.
