Plans to boost frontline staff for Devon and Cornwall Police get the go ahead
Our crime boss wants to spend £3m on recruitment
Last updated 9th Feb 2021
It has been confirmed that three million pounds will be spent on recruiting more frontline staff for Devon and Cornwall Police.
There was unanimous support for the proposals that will create another 232 frontline jobs within the force in the next financial year.
Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez’s plans for 2021-22 will enable Devon and Cornwall Police to recruit an additional 40 officers in addition to 141 nationally funded posts to bolster neighbourhood teams, 22 extra contact centre staff to reduce 101 call waiting times and 29 more crime investigators to bring more criminals to book.
Cornwall's police boss plans to spend £3million on recruiting more frontline staff
It also includes provision for eight staff to assist professional standards investigations, will fund a project to improve police data and equip a new drone team to help search for vulnerable missing people and to gather intelligence.
The budget, which will mean a £14.92 increase in the annual police precept for Devon and Cornwall households for a band D property, received unanimous approval at the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Panel.
“It is never easy to ask our communities to pay more for policing but I am confident that these proposals, which will significantly bolster neighbourhood policing resources, is what residents of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly want.
“One of the most fundamental purposes of policing is the prevention of crime, and of the 4,130 people to take part in my recent surveys 94% wanted investment in crime prevention, 88% in visible policing and 86% in community-based crime prevention.
“This investment in people, to be present in our streets and to be on the end of a phone or email when there is a call for help, will stop more crime before it happens and make our communities even safer than they are at present.”
Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez
Several panel members and the Commissioner publicly thanked police for their diligent work in protecting communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After the meeting the Commissioner also thanked the 4,130 residents of the force area who completed her survey into policing priorities.
“It is my job to consider people’s views and be a voice for them in our communities,” she said. “I’d like to thank those who took the time to complete my survey and ensure them that their voices have been heard.”
“I am pleased to see this continued investment in our police, who have had a year like no other while dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. I have nothing but admiration, particularly for their work over the past year.”
“Despite the challenges we currently face it is good to see the Government continue on track with its recruitment plans and these new officers will have a positive impact on dealing with the issues we face in St Austell and Newquay. This sends a clear message that we are committed to giving the police the resources they need to keep us safe.”
St Austell and Newquay MP, Steve Double