Burnley MP welcomes extra police officers for Lancashire

Newly released figures show that 276 police officers have been recruited in Lancashire as part of the Government’s pledge to put 20,000 more officers on the streets by 2023.
By Dominic Collis
Published 29th Jul 2021, 12:30 BST
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Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham has welcomed the announcement that 276 police officers have been recruited in Lancashire since September 2019, bringing the total number of officers up to 3,264. The latest figures are part of the Conservative Government’s drive to get 20,000 more police officers on the street by 2023.

The total number of police officers had dropped by 21,000 in the last 11 years.

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In total, an extra 9,814 police officers have been recruited across all 43 police forces in England and Wales, bringing the total number of police officers in England and Wales up to 138,574 – where they are already having an impact in tackling crime and keeping communities safe.

Lancashire has recruited 276 new officersLancashire has recruited 276 new officers
Lancashire has recruited 276 new officers

The recruitment drive is also helping to make police more representative of the communities they serve. More than 6,000 female officers have been recruited since April 2020, making up more than four in ten of all new recruits.

There are also more black, Asian and other ethnic minorities employed as officers across forces than at any other time in the country’s history, making up over one in ten of the new recruits.

Mr Higginbotham said: “At the last general election I stood on a manifesto that committed to putting 20,000 more police officers onto our streets – and these figures show how the Conservatives are delivering on that promise.

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“The 276 extra police officers for Lancashire will help to cut crime, keep neighbours secure, and reassure the law abiding majority that they are safe.

“I’ve been out with Burnley and Padiham police a number of times since taking this job and it’s clear these extra officers are making a difference.

"Our Burnley and Padiham Neighbourhood Policing Team is bigger, and residents who follow the local police on social media will have seen a steady increase in what officers are doing to tackle crime.

"I’m determined to work with our new Police and Crime Commissioner, Andrew Snowden, and the Government, to keep this work up to ensure we’re focusing on the priorities of residents.”