Wiltshire Police Smash Recruitment Target with Over 1,190 Officers Now on Duty!
Police Uplift Programme Surpasses Goal
The Government’s ambitious Police Uplift Programme aimed to add 20,000 new officers nationwide by March 2023. Wiltshire was set a tough target: recruit an extra 164 officers on top of normal intake, pushing total numbers to 1,189.
Thanks to intense recruitment efforts over three years, Wiltshire not only hit the target but exceeded it by seven, boasting 1,196 serving officers as of March 2023.
Major Recruitment Push Yields 459 New Officers
Since the programme began, Wiltshire has snapped up 459 new officers. This includes 412 brand new recruits or returning officers and 47 transfers from other forces. Recruitment numbers have remained strong, with more than 3,200 applicants over the past five years.
Diversity and Training on the Rise
Wiltshire Police’s workforce is becoming more representative of the community. Male officers number 733 (61%) while female officers stand at 463 (39%). Ethnic minority officer numbers have doubled since 2019, rising from 20 to 40.
Just this year, 85 student officers began their training, including 18 who swore the oath at a ceremony last Wednesday.
Calling New Recruits: Policing is a Career for All
Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills praised the success: “This is a much-needed boost for Wiltshire. These extra officers will help deliver the more visible police service the public demands from their local policing teams.”
“It’s been a massive team effort and I thank everyone who dedicated themselves to public service. We still need more recruits to keep officer numbers steady. Policing is a fantastic, diverse career with first-class training and lots of opportunities,” added Mills.
Commissioner Welcomes Stronger Community Policing
Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said, “Visible, proactive policing makes people feel safer. Wiltshire residents want more officers on the frontline – and now we have the highest police numbers since 2010.”
He added that the new officers will stabilise neighbourhood teams and, with a revamped command structure, will tackle community issues quickly. “We’re committed to delivering a quality police service that protects our communities and supports vulnerable people,” Wilkinson said.
Interested in Joining Wiltshire Police?
If you’re considering a career in policing, Wiltshire Police wants to hear from you. Visit wiltshire.police.uk/careers and register your interest today!
