PCC applies for 150 new officers amid ‘deep and inexcusable unfairness’
Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster has written to the Home Office to apply for at least 150 additional police officers in the West Midlands.
The West Midlands PCC’s application is part of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, a £100 million pledge that will aim to deliver 13,000 extra officers on the streets to deal with local issues.
Mr Foster said: “I have applied for 150 additional police officers, as part of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, so that I can continue to rebuild neighbourhood policing in the West Midlands.
“This is particularly important for the West Midlands, because our force still has about 700 fewer police officers and about 500 fewer PCSOs than we had in 2010, despite the deep and inexcusable unfairness of many other police force areas having more police officers than they have ever had in their force histories.
“These 150 additional police officers are essential, to fulfil my commitment to continue rebuilding neighbourhood policing.
“We need an accessible, reassuring and visible presence out on the streets to prevent and tackle crime, promote community safety and keep the people, families, businesses and communities of the West Midlands safe and secure.”