Yesterday, new Home Office statistics showed Surrey Police has recruited 47 additional police officers since the government began its major drive one year ago. This brings the total number of police officers in Surrey Police to 2,041, and contributes to the government’s target of recruiting 20,000 more officers by April 2023.
It is very welcome news for residents in Elmbridge and across Surrey. New crime figures this week showed a 3% fall in crime in Surrey and a 2.2% fall in Elmbridge, so these extra officers will help to ensure that this trend continues.
Beyond increasing numbers, the government is backing the police in other ways, for example by doubling the maximum sentence for assaulting an emergency worker to two years. We’re also giving them the tools they need to do the job – allowing more officers to authorise enhanced stop and search powers, and introducing new powers to target known knife criminals. I’m looking forward to being out and about with the local police in Elmbridge soon, to see first-hand how all of these changes are making a difference in our community.
