West Midlands Police to recruit more than 1,100 new staff over next three years - The Coventry Observer

West Midlands Police to recruit more than 1,100 new staff over next three years

Coventry Editorial 31st Aug, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

MORE THAN 1,100 police officers, PCSOs and staff are to be recruited by West Midlands Police over the next three years.

The news comes despite fears last year that 2,500 police jobs were set to be axed over a five year period under a predicted £130million of government funding cuts to the West Midlands force.

However West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has this morning announced plans to take on 1,150 new starters over the next three years.

The new recruitment drive is broken to 800 new PCs, 200 specialist staff and 150 PCSOs.




New roles will offer a police pension, regular opportunities for professional development, specialist training and a career in serving the public of the West Midlands.

Mr Jamieson said the new police officers and PCSOs will make streets safer and help tackle crime.


He added: “This recruitment is at nearly double the rate of my previous term in office and is only happening because of the tough decisions that have been taken to make West Midlands Police more efficient.

“West Midlands Police has faced the biggest cuts of any force in the country and is receiving £2.5 million less from the government again this year.

“This recruitment of more than 1,000 officers and staff shows that we have the right priorities for the force.

“This new phase of recruitment will also help to make the force look more like the people it serves.”

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson said the recruitment news will help officers provide an even better service to the community.

He added: “Policing is challenging and rewarding.

“Our officers are key to delivering our vision of preventing crime, while protecting the public and helping those in need.

“The area we police is richly diverse, with around 30 per cent of local people coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.

“We want our force to reflect that and it is key that communities know that we have a strong commitment to equality and diversity.”

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