County force to set to get an additional 89 police officers

THE Home Office has confirmed that Leicestershire Police will get an additional 89 police officers.

The Government is providing £750m to support forces to recruit up to 6,000 additional officers by the end of 2020/2021 increasing to 20,000 by 2023.

Chief Constable Simon Cole and Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, have both welcomed the news as the force is currently looking to recruit talented people from diverse backgrounds. Since 2010 Leicestershire Police has lost 550 officers.

Chief Constable Simon Cole said: “Any additional increase in police officer numbers is welcome news.

“We are already committed to having more front line officers serving our communities and we are currently running a major recruitment campaign.

“This is a fantastic time to join one of the best forces in the country and enjoy a varied and rewarding career making a difference to the communities we serve. We are particularly keen to attract more people from black and ethnic communities as part of this uplift as I am committed to making sure the force represents the communities we serve.”

Lord Willy Bach, Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, said: “I have been calling for extra resources for Leicestershire Police for many years so naturally I welcome these additional officers.

“They, and the extra 107 officers recruited as part of my budget this year, will help to increase police visibility and accessibility, which I know is important to our communities.

“But we have lost 550 officers since 2010 as a result of the funding cuts, a position made worse by the present funding formula which financially puts Leicestershire at a disadvantage.”

Everything you need to know about recruiting can be found on the Leicestershire Police website at www.leics.police. uk/joinus