Mansfield MP welcomes more police officers for region

Ben Bradley’s views were echoed by Priti Patel after it was announced there would be 95 extra police officers across the county and 3,000 more in England and Wales.

There are now a total of 2,116 officers in Nottinghamshire, with 131,596 across England and Wales. It follows a major recruitment drive by the Government in September.

In total, forces recruited 6,435 officers from November 2019 to March 2020, including recruitment planned before the government campaign was announced – with 3,005 recruits joining as part of the “Uplift” programme.

Other steps include the biggest funding boost for the policing system in a decade.

A new covenant will recognise the service and sacrifice of the police, funding will provide over 8,000 more officers with Tasers, there will be expanded stop and search powers, and plans to consult on increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting police officers and emergency service workers.

Action will also support the police’s coronavirus response, including testing for essential workers, police officers and support staff; the relaxation of tax rules to encourage officers nearing retirement and those recently retired to serve; and the unlocking of £84 million to use in the fight against coronavirus.

Ben Bradley said: “I’ve been pushing the Government to increase police numbers as part of my work with Blue Collar Conservatism (BCC), so I really welcome the news that there will now be an extra 95 officers on our streets.

“At this time of national emergency, these additional officers have never been so important. By backing our police with the funding and resources they need, we will keep the public and our communities safe, so that people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”

Home Secretary, Priti Patel said: “Each one of these brave officers will make a difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe. For many, their first role has been to join the fight to stop the spread of coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives.

“Getting more police officers on the streets is an absolute priority for the British people and this Government.”