Funding to kickstart the delivery of 13,000 more neighbourhood police officers across forces in England and Wales has been doubled to £200m.
After years of declining officer presence on Britain’s streets, this investment represents a “crucial first step” in rebuilding neighbourhood policing.
The doubled funding – increased from December’s provisional £100m commitment – aims to strengthen local crime prevention and community safety.
The government has pledged that every neighbourhood will have a named, contactable officer, helping to restore the local knowledge and presence that effective neighbourhood policing demands.
These extra officers will see a return to the principles of ‘British policing’ – where officers are part of the communities they serve and are focused on tackling crimes like antisocial behaviour, theft and knife crime that are blighting our communities.
Alongside more officers on the ground, the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will give these officers the tools they need to keep our streets safe, including enhanced powers such as respect orders to tackle shoplifting effectively, said the government.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said every neighbourhood deserves dedicated officers who know their patch: “This investment, alongside new powers we are bringing into law, will help prevent crime and protect our communities, which is at the heart of our Plan for Change.
Restoring local policing will not happen overnight, but this funding boost will get more officers into our town centres and rural areas.”
The Co-op welcomed the government’s commitment to boost neighbourhood police officer numbers to help protect local communities from crime. “As a community-based retailer, we all too often see the significant and damaging impact of retail crime and antisocial behaviour in society,” said Paul Gerrard, Co-op director of campaigns and public affairs.
”We know - and have seen the results - that effective partnerships with local policing make a real difference, and I am cautiously optimistic that this latest development along with continued investment in preventative measures and the rising levels of police attendance can start to reverse retail crime levels, and help communities become stronger, more resilient and safer.”
Retail trade union Usdaw also welcomed the additional funding, stating that years of underfunding has resulted in a “huge retail crime wave”.
Paddy Lillis Usdaw general secretary commented: “We urge local constabularies to ensure the extra funding is directed straight to community policing, so that there is a significant increase in uniformed patrols in neighbourhoods and town centres. Past underfunding has meant that too many incidents of retail crime and attacks on workers do not get a police response. We desperately need that to change, and today’s announcement is a great start.”
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