2,000 and counting as number of police officers hits six-year high
THE number of police officers in the county has reached 2,000 – its highest for six years.
The figure was reached when the latest intake of recruits completed initial training.
Another 180 recruits are expected to join the force over the coming 12 months, which means it will have 2,050 officers by this time next year.
Chief Constable Simon Byrne said it has been achieved through greater efficiency, streamlining administration and prioritising investment.
He said: “This is a highly symbolic figure to reach.
“As a result of the efficiency programme we have run over the last 18 months, and the introduction of a new policing model, we’ve been able to raise the bar on the officers in the force, despite real budget pressures as a result of the Government’s austerity programme.”
The latest recruits will put more officers on the frontline, allowing the force to move officers into high risk areas like public protection and the taskforce, which tackles travelling criminality, road crime and drugs.
John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I’m committed to putting more boots on Cheshire’s streets.”