Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithI welcome the announcement that 224 police officers have been recruited in Norfolk since September 2019. I work closely with Norfolk Constabulary and I know how hard they work every day to keep the streets of north Norwich safe. The latest figures are part of the Conservative Government’s drive to get 20,000 more police officers on the street by March 2023, and puts the Government on track to fulfil its manifesto commitment with 77% of the target now met.
Norfolk Constabulary have employed a further 224 police officers since September 2019 as part of the Government’s drive to get a further 20,000 more police officers on the street nationwide, by next March. Across the 43 police forces, an additional 15,343 officers have been recruited – tackling crime and keeping communities safe across the United Kingdom. The latest figures also show that the police are more representative of the communities they serve. There are now more female police officers than since records began with over 50,000 women in forces across England and Wales. Of the recruits hired since April 2020, 42.5% are women.
The 15,343 extra officers will support the Conservative Government’s crackdown on crime, which has seen the launch of the Beating Crime Plan and the passing of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act – reducing crime, protecting victims, and making the country safer. This Conservative Government is continuing to deliver on tackling crime – including boosting police funding to £16.9 billion and boosting police officer pay, with every police officer receiving a £1,900 uplift to their salary this year.