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More than 3,000 extra officers join police force

Police ranks across England and Wales have been boosted with an additional 3,005 officers since the government launched a major recruitment drive last September.

New figures show that 3,005 recruits joined the police specifically as part of the uplift programme. It suggests that the government is on track to meet its target of 6,000 additional officers in England and Wales by March 2021, as online assessment centres mean forces can continue recruiting.

Last year’s campaign sought to recruit 20,000 extra officers over the next three years. In total, forces recruited 6,435 officers from November 2019 to March 2020, including recruitment planned before the government campaign was announced.

All of this means that there are now a total of 131,596 officers, a five per cent increase on March 2019 – of which uplift officers account for approximately half.

The College of Policing has announced it is rolling out new online assessment centres, which will ensure that recruitment continues during the coronavirus outbreak.

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. Thanks to new digital assessment centres, the doors remain wide open for anyone who wants to join them and make a difference in their community. Getting more police officers on the streets is an absolute priority for the British people – and this government.”

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