Police drive for officers

Neighbourhood policing ‘is a top priority’, says Northumbria Police – which has seen a falling in officer numbers in the last five years.

The force says it had a total of 3,876 police officers and 419 PCSOs in 2012, which compares to 3,283 officers last year and 164 PCSOs.

Force chiefs say there has been a recruitment drive for new PCSOs at the start of this year, which has reduced the drop to about 23%.

It comes as figures from the BBC showed the force has faced a fall in the number of neighbourhood officers and PCSOs, as we reported yesterday.

Now Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, Ged Noble, has said: “It is very important to start by saying that neighbourhood policing is a top priority for Northumbria Police and we are committed to providing an outstanding service to our communities.

“The Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable have previously highlighted the huge budget cuts the force has faced, they are the biggest of any in the country at over £130million since 2010.

“Both the Chief Constable and the commissioner have worked hard to protect front-line Neighbourhood Policing Teams who are visible, located where they are needed and provide the community-led policing approach that is the backbone of our service and much-valued by the communities we serve.

“The force has continually looked at ways to make savings while protecting front-line officers, including using the force financial reserves and rationalising our estate, but ultimately, as with other police forces,we have had to reduce police officer and police staff numbers.

“Despite our ongoing resourcing pressures, we remain absolutely committed to cutting crime and protecting the public.”