East Midlands to become 'even safer' as more officers put on the street
The region will get more than 200 neighbourhood police officers
Last updated 10th Apr 2025
The East Midlands will become 'even safer' as 213 more neighbourhood police officers are put on the street.
It is part of the government's manifesto pledge to put 13,000 neighbourhood officers in total out on the street.
What will an increase in neighbourhood police officers mean?
The patrols will be placed in busy areas, to tackle crimes like antisocial behaviour before the crimes become more serious.
Unveiling the plan, the Prime Minister said the announcement would boost confidence and security in local communities across Britain.
"Postcode lottery"
Sir Kier Starmer also said this Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee would put an end to a policing 'postcode lottery', as the number of people who regularly see officers patrolling in their local area has halved in the past decade.
East Midlands breakdown
Below is a breakdown of what each force in the East Midlands projected growth will allow for, based on their funding allocation.
- Nottinghamshire Police:
- 30 police officers, 20 Police Community Support Officers and 20 Special Constables.
- Leicestershire Police:
- 35 police officers, and 21 Police Community Support Officers.
- Northamptonshire Police:
- 49 Police Officers, and 3 Police Community Support Officers.
- Derbyshire Constabulary:
- 35 Police Officers.
- Lincolnshire: 0
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Rupert Matthews said: “I welcome this significant uplift in officers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Residents and businesses are fed up with issues such as drug dealing, alcohol and substance misuse and nuisance and anti-social behaviour on full view in their communities and expect the police to robustly restore law and order so they can feel safe again.
"Strong and effective neighbourhood policing is on everyone’s wish-list.
"I am pleased that the Government has listened with the launch of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
“However, while sizeable, this extra funding does not alleviate the financial struggles many forces are facing and will continue to face as a result of increased cost pressures, inflation and a shortfall in central funding to cover national insurance hikes and the roll out of new legislation. I have shared these concerns directly with the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, raising with urgency the need for an overhaul of the police funding formula which is completely unworkable and places forces like Leicestershire Police at a distinct advantage.
“I support the Government’s mission to deliver a better service for our communities, with a named and contactable officer in every neighbourhood, as these measures are essential for restoring trust. However, I will continue to seek assurances that the Government remains committed to developing a fairer and more equitable system for remunerating forces in the future that will help them increase their capabilities across the board.”
Elsewhere, Leicestershire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Adam Streets said: “Protecting and serving our neighbourhoods and our communities has always been and continues to be at the heart of Leicestershire Police and the work which we do.
"The team uses crime data to target patrols in times and places where they can best prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
“Each beat area of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland already has a named sergeant, police constables and PCSOs while each Neighbourhood Policing Area has a dedicated Inspector and Sergeant. These details are available on our force website alongside details of local policing meetings and events including beat surgeries and drop-in events.
“Neighbourhood Link is a free e-mail messaging service also used by Leicestershire Police to update communities about police activity and initiatives in local areas as well as to provide crime prevention advice. This also allows communities the opportunity to reply directly to neighbourhood teams and to have input on local policing priorities.
“Local teams also provide regular updates through social media including on our local Facebook pages.
“In addition to this, Leicestershire Police already utilises hotspot policing including a hotspot police team set up in the city centre in July last year.
“We, of course, welcome this funding allocation which has been made as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee which will allow us to continue to develop our strong neighbourhood policing work which is already in place. We continue to assess how we will utilise the funding effectively in order to continue to protect and serve our communities as best we can.”
In her letter confirming the news, Policing Minister Diana Johnson MP said:
“Neighbourhood policing is the bedrock of the British policing model.
"Yet, the number of people who have seen uniformed officers in their local area has halved in the last decade.
"Now is the time for swift action to address this, to help rebuild the connection between police and the public that is key to securing their trust and confidence," she said.