The Labour government has doubled funding for North East police forces to £200 million, aiming to increase neighborhood officers and enhance community safety.
Newcastle: Police forces in the North East are getting a big funding boost. The Labour government has decided to double their funding to £200 million. This is a significant increase from the £100 million commitment made last December.
The goal of this extra funding is to put more neighborhood police officers on the streets. Here’s how the funding breaks down for the three major police forces:
- Cleveland Police: Up to £188.8 million, a 6.3% increase.
- Durham Constabulary: Up to £178.0 million, a 6.5% increase.
- Northumbria Police: Up to £421.1 million, a 7% increase.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper mentioned that this investment is a turning point for policing. By doubling the neighborhood funding, they aim to place more officers where they are needed most, especially in town centers.
She emphasized that every neighborhood deserves dedicated officers who understand local concerns. This funding, along with new laws, aims to prevent crime and protect communities.
Cooper also noted that restoring local policing will take time, but this funding boost will help get more officers into town centers and rural areas.
The government is focused on its Safer Streets mission, which aims to add 13,000 police officers and community support officers to neighborhoods. The goal is to restore neighborhood policing.
Each police force will decide how to use the funds based on local needs. Plans will be submitted for government approval in the spring. A new Police Performance Unit will oversee this to ensure communities receive the best service.
Neighborhood Watch is excited about this support. CEO John Hayward-Cripps stated that increased investment in neighborhood policing is crucial for public confidence and safety.
For more details, you can visit the Home Office section of the government website.
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