South Yorkshire PCC Welcomes the Announcement to Recruit 151 Officers

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner has today (Wednesday, 9 October) welcomed the announcement that South Yorkshire will be able to recruit 151 additional police officers.

Dr Billings said: “I welcome the government’s announcement that South Yorkshire will be able to recruit 151 additional officers this coming year as part of a general uplift in police numbers.

“I also welcome the fact that the funding will include such associated costs as training and equipment.

“Fortunately, we were already planning to increase numbers in South Yorkshire so much that is needed to recruit, induct, train and equip is already in place.

“While this is good news, we should not forget that the eventual target of 20,000 additional officers nationally over three years at best only restores numbers to where they were in 2010. Since that time, the population has grown and there has been a rise in serious and violent crime not least as result of that drastic cut in numbers.

“The years of cuts allowed a dangerous growth in organised criminal gangs, often associated with the drugs market. This is lost ground that police forces are now having to tackle.

“The increased numbers are reflected across all forces in Yorkshire and the Humber: North Yorkshire 58, Humberside 97, West Yorkshire 256, and South Yorkshire 151. Taken together, this should have a significant impact on reducing crime across Yorkshire, including those crimes that cross county boundaries.

“I often meet people who are looking for a worthwhile career and want to do something for the community they live in. This is a good opportunity to join a service that in many different ways seeks to keep us all safe.

“I urge them to think seriously about this.”