MORE bobbies will soon be seen on the beat in Warwickshire.
That was the promise county police and crime commissioner Philip Seccombe reiterated after he welcomed a record number of 76 new recruits to Warwickshire Police at a parade at the force’s Leek Wootton headquarters.
The officers, at various points in their training, from first week to last, form six intakes of student police officers and one intake of PCSOs – all currently in training at Leek Wootton before being deployed across the county in the coming weeks.
Mr Seccombe said: “Having increased the council tax precept earlier this year in order to boost front line policing, these student officers are proof of the force growing as result of that investment. It will lead to greater numbers of police officers on the ground in Warwickshire to help keep us all safe.
“With the numbers rising from 800 to over 950 this year, I am confident that policing in Warwickshire will become more effective and that communities will see a visible difference – something I know they will warmly welcome.”
Warwickshire Police’s chief constable Martin Jelley stressed the importance of the extra recruits.
He said: Having consulted with the force history society, this represents the highest number of officers simultaneously in training and on parade together at any one time in our 162 year history.
“On completion of this important period of learning, these officers will be welcome additions to our patrol and safer neighbourhood teams in the coming weeks, helping us to continue to protect people from harm.”
