Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Policing Numbers

Monday 22 March 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government aims to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers by March 2024.
  • 6,620 more police officers have already been recruited ahead of the target date.
  • The Minister highlights the funding and support Lancashire has received for policing.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Hollern Lab
Policing & Resources
Context

The question arises from a context of increasing police officer numbers to address public safety concerns.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to increase the number of (a) police community support officers and (b) police officers. The Government aims to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers by March 2024, with 6,620 more officers already recruited.

Answer from Priti Patel

The Government are committed to recruiting an additional 20,000 police officers by March 2024. Ahead of that recruitment drive, we already have 6,620 more police officers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: (a) police community support officers

How: Fails To Recognise

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Q2 Kate Hollern Lab
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question addresses the loss of 750 officers over a decade in Lancashire, leading to pressure on police resources and concerns about justice for crime victims.

Question

Lancashire has lost 750 officers over the past decade and is under huge pressure as it does not have enough officers to investigate some crimes. Does she feel that this is fair on victims of crime? Is she concerned that public faith in police could be lost unless concerns are addressed urgently?

Answer from Priti Patel

She fails to recognise the amount of police funding Lancashire has received. She also fails to acknowledge new police officers recruited and their role in protecting streets and constituents. Support for victims is crucial, but the questioner must reflect on victim support within the criminal justice system and Crown Prosecution Service's role.

Not addressed: specific steps or commitments to address Lancashire's police officer shortage

How: Fails To Recognise, Must Reflect On

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