Andrew Rosindell has welcomed the announcement that 1,708 police officers have been recruited to the Metropolitan Police since September 2019, bringing the total number of officers up to 33,651. The latest figures are part of the Conservative Government’s drive to get 20,000 more police officers on the street by 2023.
In total, an extra 9,814 police officers have been recruited across all 43 police forces in England and Wales, bringing the total number of police officers in England and Wales up to 138,574.
The latest figures follow the launch of the Conservative Government’s Beating Crime Plan – aimed at reducing crime, protecting victims and making the country safer.
The plan includes ensuring each neighbourhood has named, contactable police officers, who know their area and are best placed to ensure that persistent crime and anti-social behaviour is tackled - a pledge made more possible by the increase in police numbers.
This builds on the action taken by the Conservative Government since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister two years ago – including boosting police funding to a record £15.8 billion, passing the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill through the House of Commons, and delivering £45 million through the Safer Streets Fund to make neighbourhoods secure.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. said:
“Nothing is more vital to the people of Romford than having confidence in the safety of our streets. Unfortunately in recent years there has been growing concern about the levels of crime in Romford and around Havering.
That’s why this announcement of 1,708 new police officers for the Metropolitan Police is so important. They will help to cut crime, keep neighbours secure, and reassure the law abiding majority in Romford that they are safe.
What we need to see now from the Mayor’s office is a commitment to using the new police officers across the breadth of Greater London, including in outer London regions like our Borough of Havering. For too long the Mayor has focused resources on inner-city areas at our expense in Havering.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I am delighted we are already almost half-way there in delivering our commitment of 20,000 more police officers to fight crime by 2023.
These figures aren’t just numbers. It means that thousands more police are out in communities protecting people, making our streets safer and supporting victims through some of the most difficult experiences of their lives.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
“It is fantastic that we are well on track to meet our target of recruiting 20,000 extra police officers by 2023. These 9,814 officers are already making a difference in neighbourhoods up and down the country, bearing down on criminals and keeping people safe.
This increase in police numbers and the Beating Crime Plan we launched yesterday show the Government’s determination to back the police, give them the powers they need to take away knives, shut down drug gangs and protect communities and vulnerable people from harm.”
