More West Mercia Police officers out on beat
The number of officers on the beat for West Mercia Police – which covers Shropshire – has increased by nearly 50 in the past year, bucking the national trend.
New figures reveal the force gained 48 officers in the last 12 months.
It compares favourably to West Midlands Police, which lost 155 from the year before, and Staffordshire Police, down 15.
Across the country the number of police officers in the 43 forces decreased by 1,091 or 0.9 per cent compared with a year earlier, which was the sixth consecutive annual fall – and the lowest since March 2002.
West Mercia police and crime commissioner Bill Longmore said: "I'm very pleased to see the number of officers has gone up in West Mercia over the last year.
"We have been trying to get the force back up to strength over the last 12 months, having identified a shortfall due to delays in recruitment.
"It's good to see progress has been made, and those new officers are now in post, helping keep West Mercia safe."
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police added: "West Mercia Police officer and staff levels have remained broadly the same as two years ago, following the efficiencies achieved through the alliance between Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police in 2012.
"The main reason for the increase in police officer numbers in this year is student officer recruits.
"In line with the further changes to budget affecting all police forces we are continuing to review how we can best maximise the protection and service we offer our communities at reduced cost. Any impact on police officer and police staff numbers will be determined as a result of this work."
