More Bobbies on the Beat in Cumbria
Cumbria Constabulary will gain 18 new officers this month and another 36 in October.
The good news was announced at the first meeting in public of the county's police executive following the decision by Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes to hold these meetings in public.
Welcoming the recruitment of 54 more officers, Richard Rhodes commented that the most common issue raised by members of the public was that they do not see police on their streets.
“It is important we set out recruitment targets to the highest level to reassure the public," he added.
In addition to the new starters there will also be a number of officers joining Cumbria Constabulary who are transferring from other forces.
It was also explained at the meeting how a £2.369m underspend is to be resolved.
Ruth Hunter, the PCC’s Chief Finance Officer, revealed the current forecast net expenditure was £96.402m, compared with an approved budget of £98.771m.
Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer explained to the executive committee, which was meeting in public for the first time yesterday, that the underspend had been largely down to a freeze on recruitment.
“There has been a massive recruitment campaign, which has enabled us to bring in 18 brand new starters this month and 36 next month, as well as new transferees,” she said.
“We have a robust workforce and recruitment plan and are back up to staffing numbers, and will be above numbers in October.
She added that more recruitment is planned for next year, with a bank of individuals ready to join the constabulary, and said “I am confident we will be able to maintain these numbers.”
The good news was announced at the first meeting in public of the county's police executive following the decision by Police and Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes to hold these meetings in public.
Welcoming the recruitment of 54 more officers, Richard Rhodes commented that the most common issue raised by members of the public was that they do not see police on their streets.
“It is important we set out recruitment targets to the highest level to reassure the public," he added.
In addition to the new starters there will also be a number of officers joining Cumbria Constabulary who are transferring from other forces.
It was also explained at the meeting how a £2.369m underspend is to be resolved.
Ruth Hunter, the PCC’s Chief Finance Officer, revealed the current forecast net expenditure was £96.402m, compared with an approved budget of £98.771m.
Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Skeer explained to the executive committee, which was meeting in public for the first time yesterday, that the underspend had been largely down to a freeze on recruitment.
“There has been a massive recruitment campaign, which has enabled us to bring in 18 brand new starters this month and 36 next month, as well as new transferees,” she said.
“We have a robust workforce and recruitment plan and are back up to staffing numbers, and will be above numbers in October.
She added that more recruitment is planned for next year, with a bank of individuals ready to join the constabulary, and said “I am confident we will be able to maintain these numbers.”
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