South West Police Boost: Nearly 400 New Officers in 12 Months
The Government’s national drive to recruit 20,000 new police officers in three years is paying off. Latest Home Office stats reveal the South West has added 397 new officers in just the past year.
Wiltshire Leading the Charge with Record Recruitment
Wiltshire is smashing targets by recruiting more officers than ever. The force welcomed 40 new recruits in June, 20 more last week, and plans to bring in 60 additional student officers by March 2021 — totalling 120 new trainees in a year.
By the financial year-end, Wiltshire aims to add 49 new officers funded by the Government, part of a three-year plan. Over the next three years, 148 extra officers will join the force, pushing Wiltshire’s total policing numbers to 1,150 by March 2024.
Diversity Drive Gains Momentum
Wiltshire Police is keen to diversify its ranks. In the recent recruitment push, 39% of applicants were female, and 8% came from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
“We want our police force to represent the communities we serve,” said Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills. “Our positive action team is helping attract more recruits from underrepresented groups.”
Recruitment for 101 and 999 call handlers recently closed with 15% BAME applicants, while summer PCSO recruitment saw 12% from BAME backgrounds.
Police and Crime Commissioner Proud of Progress
Angus Macpherson, Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, praised the force’s achievements, backed by the Policing Precept and Government funding.
“The public supported a Precept increase this year, allowing us to recruit 16 more frontline officers,” he said. “I’m confident we’ll meet all recruitment targets.”
He added, “New recruits face 23 weeks of intensive training before hitting the streets. Building a diverse and inclusive police service takes time, but Wiltshire is committed to making it happen.”
