THAMES Valley Police has exceeded national targets to increase the number of officers in the force, it has announced.
The Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has released figures which show that targets of 5,000 officers employed by the force have been met.
With a goal of just under 5,000 officers in Thames Valley, the OPCC has said that it now employs 5,034 across Thames Valley Police.
It follows the announcement of government plans in 2019 to recruit 20,000 new officers in England and Wales by March 2023.
The resulting National Uplift Plan sought to address a fall of around 22,00 in full-time officer numbers between 2010 and 2017 according to a Home Office report released in September last year.
Figures show that by March 2023 more officers than ever were on the payroll, but this is still below the rates expected to maintain the proportion of officers to population.
This means that the number of officers has seen a decline proportionate to population, with police numbers growing by around 2.4% compared to an 8.5% growth in population in England and Wales.
Home Office figures from Septmeber last year also show that the number of full-time PCSOs has more than halved since 2010, dropping from 16,918 down to 8,263 in 12 years.
Thames Valley’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, said: “I am delighted that Thames Valley Police has not only met but exceeded the Uplift programme target by recruiting an additional 784 police officers since 2019.
“These additional officers will help to cut crime across Thames Valley, reassuring our communities that it is a safe place to live.”
He explained: “Thames Valley Police now has more officers than ever before and the Force will continue to recruit police officers and PCSO as part of my plans to strengthen community policing.
“I recently announced details of my Crimefighters Strategy which will see the number of neighbourhood policing officers double over the coming year across Thames Valley.
“This refocus on community policing will enable officers to deliver a more proactive and responsive service that is better placed to effectively prevent and disrupt crime.
He continued: “This marks the beginning of a shift change for the force, which will help to build the trust of all our communities.
“Recruitment continues across the Force for police officers, PCSOs, and staff. You can find out more about joining Thames Valley Police at tvpcareers.co.uk.”
