The Federation has welcomed the addition of 95 new officers in Northumbria, but the branch chair says recruitment alone won’t restore policing.
Nick Munnelly has reacted to the Government’s recent announcement that the Force will receive just over £6 million as part of their plan to boost neighbourhood policing.
The money will cover 95 new police officers, 27 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and 30 Special Constables.
Details of the initial funding for 2025 to 2026 were announced by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper earlier this month, marking the first stage of a four-year programme which will see 13,000 extra police officers, PCSOs and Specials into neighbourhood policing roles by the end of this Parliament.
“Hearing that policing is becoming a priority for the Government is great news for our members,” said Nick, adding: “And of course, we welcome news of extra neighbourhood officers in Northumbria, but we still have a long way to go.
“I’d once again argue that the Government needs to focus on more than just recruiting new heads. We need sustainable and well-thought-out investment to provide an efficient and robust Police Force.
“The Government needs to be investing in the tools and systems that our members use, which allow them to do their job effectively and efficiently.
“At the end of the day, the majority of our members join the police to catch criminals and protect the public. In its current state, the system isn’t allowing members to do this as well as they can.”
Nick’s comments reflect those of the Home Affairs Select Committee, which recently recognised that recruitment alone is not enough.
It warned that the service is ‘being propped up by newer recruits while seasoned professionals are walking away’.
The comments formed part of a report into last summer’s riots.
“I agree with those comments. However, I can’t help but feel that the Government is now playing catch-up,” continued Nick.
“In my view, policing has been forgotten about. We’ve experienced a lack of funding over the years, and that’s led to a huge void across policing.
“It’s about time policing is at the forefront of the Government’s agenda, but I believe wider funding is required to support our colleagues, which in turn, will allow them to effectively protect the public and also enable them to be first class in everything they do.”