Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has welcomed the announcement that police ranks in Leicestershire have been boosted with an additional 43 officers since September 2019.
More than 3,000 extra officers have joined the Police across England and Wales since the Government launched its major recruitment drive 6 months ago. This indicates the Government is on track to recruit its target of 20,000 extra officers over the next three years.
There is now a total of 2,041 officers in Leicestershire.
The recruitment drive is at the centre of the Government’s commitment to back the Police with more resources, powers and support to keep communities safe.
Other steps include the biggest funding boost for the policing system in a decade, a new covenant to recognise the service and sacrifice of the police, funding to provide over 8,000 more officers with Taser to keep themselves and the public safe, expanded stop and search powers, and plans to consult on increasing the maximum sentence for assaulting police officers and other emergency service workers.
Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, said:
“I am delighted that our local Police force has been bolstered by 43 brave officers, who I am sure 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.
“Organised rural crime is a real concern for Rutland and Melton Residents, and we can only beat it by creating a robust strategy and responding seriously to reports of offences, which I am hopeful this added manpower will facilitate.”
Alicia has been a noted advocate for tackling rural crime, securing a Westminster Hall Debate in March calling on the Government to create a dedicated rural crime unit, for the UK Border Agency to undertake a review into its role in tackling rural crime, given that much of the proceeds rural crime can end up with mainland Europe and to develop a specific training programme on rural crime for 111 and 999 phone operators.
Alicia Kearns is working hard to support constituents to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak but is determined to continue to work with local and national stakeholders to further inform the Government about what steps need to be taken to tackle rural organised crime.
