I welcome the promise of increased officer numbers, says Federation Chair

9 October 2019

Wiltshire's uplift of 49 officers will still leave them with fewer officers than in 2010.

The Government announced this morning how it would allocate the first tranche of 20,000 extra officers for forces in England and Wales.

Wiltshire Police Federation Chair Mark Andrews said “Wiltshire Police Federation welcomes the Government’s promise to increase the number of officers throughout the country.

"Due to the austerity of the last 12 years we find ourselves some 300 officers down which has had a significant impact on the way we police and the service we offer to our communities. It has also led to increases in assaults and sickness in our officers who only want to do the best for a job they love. 

"I still wait to hear how any increase will effect Wiltshire as the specific details have not been released. I worry how we will train and house the additional numbers due to the fact we have closed police stations, reduced admin staff and training teams but I look forward to working with senior leadership to assist where we can.

"It is a good problem to have and I only hope the Government remains true to their word”.

Wiltshire's extra allocation will take them to 1,041 officers – similar to the level they had in 2014.

A total of 6,000 officers will be recruited across England and Wales by the end of 2020/21.