Recruitment success nets force an extra 26 police officers to keep people safe

More than 20 extra police officers will be funded in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – on top of the additional posts being recruited as part of the Government’s Uplift programme.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has successfully bid for up to £520,000 from the Home Office to increase the force’s allocation of police officers by a further 26.

The funding depends on Leicestershire Police successfully hiring its quota of new officers over the next 12 months through the national Uplift programme, which is delivering 20,000 extra police officers across the country.

In a letter, Policing Minister said he was sure the force would continue to make progress ‘at pace’ based on the progress and leadership already shown in the delivery of the programme.

Welcoming the announcement, Mr Matthews said: “This is wonderful news for our communities, delivering the visibility, support and reassurance local people deserve.

“Securing this funding was no easy feat – police forces were required to present detailed plans on how they would secure these extra officers in addition to evidence showing the strength of our existing performance plans. It is testament to strong leadership and effective recruitment policies that have ensured Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are among those to benefit.

“I am grateful to the Chief Constable and his senior leadership team for their continued hard work in meeting the requirements of the Uplift programme which makes this funding possible.

“Keeping people safe and delivering top quality services to the public are top priorities. I have no doubt these new posts will strengthen what is already a robust and proactive workforce committed to tackling the problems that matter most to local people.”

The bids have been capped based on the percentage of each force’s year three allocation in addition to a range of criteria based on performance in year two and submissions of updated delivery plans.

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Posted on Monday 18th July 2022