195 extra police officers have been recruited in Bedfordshire since September 2019, bringing the total number of officers up to 1455. Since the recruitment drive was launched in 2019, the government has now recruited almost 21,000 new police officers in England and Wales, according to new figures published on Wednesday.
This represents the fulfilment of a key 2019 manifesto promise and comes as part of a wider plan of action from the government to tackle crime across the nation.
This is alongside the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act which is giving the police and courts the powers they need to tackle serious crime head on. The government is also delivering its Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, backed by £100 million in funding, making our streets and neighbourhoods safer for women and girls.
Since 2010, crime excluding fraud, has been cut by over 50 per cent – making our communities safer. Theft has been reduced by 20 per cent and domestic burglary by 30 per cent. The government has also taken 90,000 knives off our streets through stop and search, surrender initiatives and targeted police action since 2019.
Richard Fuller MP said:
From working with our local police force and Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus Akinbusoye, I know just how valuable 195 more police officers will be in helping to crack down on crime in our local community.
Nationally, we have delivered our on 2019 manifesto promise, with more than 20,000 new police officers.
