WILTSHIRE Police has been “under incredible pressure” to train almost 100 new recruits but it is only the start, says the chairman of the Wiltshire Police Federation.
Uplift, the Government’s national campaign programme to recruit 20,000 additional officers across the country, is set to fund 158 new officers for Wiltshire.
So far, a total of 98 new recruits have joined Wiltshire Police and nearly 300 recruits nation-wide since 2019.
The campaign will allow Wiltshire Police to increase its full-time equivalent police officer numbers to 1,165 by March 2023.
'Thousands of officers cut from forces'
Phil Matthews, chairman of Wiltshire Police Federation, has welcomed new officers into the force but disagrees with the term uplift.
He said: “What the 158 'Uplift' is, is not an uplift at all but the mere start of a replacement for the thousands of officers cut from forces across the country since 2010.
“Our government is spinning this as a pro-police stance when in fact, it is only a start to bring enough officers to the force to actively support the needs of our communities.”
Phil highlights that the force is working hard to support new officers, but a three-year degree is proving to be a barrier for entry.
He added: “Wiltshire Police has delivered the training for Uplift so very well and under incredible pressure to train as many officers in such a short space of time.
“For some, joining the police is now the start of a three-year degree programme whilst carrying out a full-time police officers’ role.”
'Local officers on the beat'
Greater visibility and better engagement with police officers is constantly asked by communities, and this programme hopes to boost Wiltshire Police’s efforts.
Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire police and crime commissioner, said: “Residents have told me they want to see their local officers on the beat, and these additional officers will play a key role in delivering an improved and more visible police service in our communities."
Additional officers will provide a much-needed bolster to help make Wiltshire safer, but PCC Wilkinson warned that quality is far superior to quantity.
He added: “While these additional officers are of course a very welcome addition to Wiltshire, it’s important that we make sure that we’re getting the right people through the door, with the right intentions.
“Misconduct and corruption within policing has come under the spotlight in recent years, and I continue to work with the chief constable to ensure that robust vetting processes and training is in place for both new recruits, and those already on the payroll.”
Wiltshire Police is recruiting now for police officers and more information can be found on their website.
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