Gwent Police has been bolstered by a further 27 new officers since the UK Government launched its major police recruitment drive over a year ago.
The addition of these officers brings the total number of police across Gwent to 1,327 – down slightly from 1,353 last October.
Since the launch of the government’s recruitment campaign, a total of 6,620 extra officers have joined police forces across England and Wales.
These statistics confirm the government remains fully on track to meet its manifesto commitment of recruiting 20,000 extra officers by 2023 - and has hit the target of recruiting 6,000 new officers by March 2021 well ahead of schedule.
The new statistics also show the police workforce is now more diverse than ever before, with 10.7 per cent of new recruits identifying as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, and with 9,842 of all officers now being from these groups.
This recruitment drive is at the centre of the government’s commitment to back the police with more resources, powers and support to keep the public and their communities safe.
Alongside the recruitment campaign, the government has announced the second round of the Safer Streets Fund, backed by £20m of new money, to crack down on neighbourhood crimes that blight our communities. This funding will enable Police and Crime Commissioners and local authorities to make crime cutting interventions in residential areas to ensure people feel safe in their communities.
Other steps to support frontline police officers include a £636m funding boost for police forces this year, bringing the total for police funding up to £15.8bn; boosting police pay by 2.5 per cent, equivalent to a constable receiving an extra £1,100; and enshrining a new police covenant into law, which will offer enhanced support and protection for frontline officers.
Monmouth MP David Davies said: "Getting more police officers onto our streets is one of the people’s priorities.
“Every one of these officers will make an enormous difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe – and I know many more will follow as this government continues to deliver on its promise to recruit 20,000 more over the next three years.
“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we are keeping the public and our communities safe, so people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel added: “I am determined to make our streets safer, which is why I am delighted we have beaten our own target to recruit 6,000 additional police officers by March 2021.
“Many of these new officers are already on our streets helping to fight the coronavirus pandemic, and for that they get my huge thanks.
“These new officers, on top of further funding to tackle crimes such as burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, will ensure the police have the powers, tools and resources they need to cut crime and make you feel safer in your community.”
