PCC cautiously welcomes Government announcement of 20,000 new police officers

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Lorne Green has cautiously welcomed the announcement from the Government on the recruitment of 20,000 new police officers.

Of the 6,000 new police officers to be recruited across England and Wales in the first recruitment wave, the recruitment target set by the Home Office for Norfolk is 67.

PCC Lorne Green said: “Obviously this is good news for Norfolk’s communities who want more police officers to keep them safe and help them feel safe.

“Since becoming Norfolk’s PCC, I’ve worked closely with Norfolk Constabulary to deliver the first-class service the county deserves and meet the complex demands of 21st century policing. While we now have more fully-warranted officers in Norfolk than when I took office in 2016, the fact remains that we have fewer police in uniform today than we did a decade ago. And, at the same time, the volume and complexity of demand has grown enormously.

“It’s good to see that the Government is working quickly to deliver on its pledge, and the fact that we will be able to recruit additional officers in Norfolk in the next year is to be welcomed. We now need, however, to analyse the finer detail and assess the financial implications that come with officer recruitment, including such supporting issues as equipment needs, training demand and estate space.”