The MP for Copeland has welcomed news that Cumbria Police has been bolstered by an additional 52 officers since the Government launched its major police recruitment campaign one year ago.
The addition of these new officers brings the total number across Cumbria up to 1,251.
This recruitment drive is at the centre of the Government’s commitment to back the police with more resources, powers and support to keep the public and their communities safe.
Since the launch of the recruitment campaign, a total of 5,824 extra officers have joined police forces across England and Wales.
Trudy said: “In the fight against Coronavirus, as well as helping to drive down crime and to make our streets safer, I welcome today’s announcement that 52 new police offices have been recruited in Cumbria, bringing our total police headcount to 1,251 since the launch of the Government’s major police recruitment drive.
“During this most impossibly difficult period, I would like to add my personal gratitude to everyone working on the frontline and those in supporting roles. Never before in peacetime history has the role of policing been so important for everyone’s health and safety.”
Alongside the recruitment campaign, the Government is also boosting police pay by 2.5 per cent this year, equivalent to a constable receiving an extra £1,100.
The Government is also enshrining a new police covenant into law, which will offer enhanced support and protection for frontline officers and is bringing forward legislation to double the maximum sentence for those convicted of assaults on frontline staff including police officers, firefighters and paramedics.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel said: “Getting more police officers on our streets is a priority for the British people – therefore a priority for me.
“Just one year since we began recruiting, I am delighted that there are nearly 6,000 of the 20,000 additional officers on our streets cutting crime and making your communities safer.
“As we’ve seen from the frontline response to coronavirus, the work of each and every police officer helps to save lives and I would like to extend my gratitude to them, and to the new recruits, for joining the police and being a part of this heroic national effort.”
