The Government’s 2019 General Election pledge to recruit 20,000 new police officers by March 2023 has been exceeded, with the number of police officers in North Wales now at the highest level ever – exceeding the previous record in 2005.
The police headcount total for North Wales as of March 2023 was 1,714, compared to 1,590 in 2010.
Welcoming the news, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies, said:
“It is very good news that we have been successful in delivering 20,000 additional officers on the streets of England and Wales.
“This takes the headcount for North Wales to the highest level ever.
“Through working with our local police force, I know just how valuable more police officers will be in helping crack down on crime in our local community.
“The additional recruits mean there are now 1,714 police officers in North Wales, helping to pursue criminals, keep neighbourhoods safe, and reassure the law-abiding majority. This compares to 1,590 police officers in 2010.”
James added:
“The additional officers support the Conservative Government’s crackdown on crime, which has seen the launch of the Beating Crime Plan and the passing of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill through the House of Commons.
“And only a few weeks ago the Prime Minister announced the Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan, which will establish a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, ensuring people feel safe at home and when out and about.
“Police are also to be given new powers to crack down on illegal drug use - often a catalyst for other crimes - including expanding powers for drug testing on arrest, and in addition to this a new reporting tool will also be developed over the next twelve months to act as a digital one-stop shop where people can quickly and easily report incidents of anti-social behaviour when these occur.
“Levels of crime are falling and we are sending out a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated – helping make people feel safer in the communities in which they live.”
