Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely has welcomed the news from the Home Office that more police officers will be on the streets from next year.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Hampshire Constabulary – which covers the Isle of Wight – will see 156 officers recruited in the first year.
The announcement came last Wednesday (9th October) when the Home Secretary Priti Patel announced the first stage in the Government’s plan – to recruit 20,000 new police officers over the next three years with the first 6,000 in post by the end of 2020/21.
Bob said:
“I welcome the news that we can expect to see extra police officers on our streets.
“I have campaigned for this – as the Chancellor recognised last month in the House of Commons – and I am delighted that we are a step closer to having more police on our streets.
“I would like to thank the police officers on the Isle of Wight for the work they do to keep our communities safe.”
The Home Office confirmed that all officers recruited as part of the 20,000 uplift will be additional to those hired to fill existing vacancies. They are also on top of the extra officers already being recruited because of the £1 billion increase in police funding for 2019-20, which includes money from council tax and for serious violence.
Government funding for recruitment in 2020-21 will cover all associated costs, including training and kit.
