MP promises more police officers for Burnley and Padiham as county welcomes additional support

The addition of these new officers, part of the Government’s police recruitment drive, brings the total number of police across Lancashire up to 3,088.

“More police on our streets cut crime and make our communities safer," said Mr Higginbotham. "I promised to increase the number of police officers we have in Burnley and Padiham and we’re delivering on that by recruiting these extra officers.

"And they’ll make a big difference in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in local hotspots.

"By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we are keeping the public safe.”

Since the launch of the Government’s recruitment campaign one year ago, a total of 5,824 extra officers have joined police forces across England and Wales.

According to these statistics, the Government remains on track to meet its manifesto commitment of recruiting 20,000 extra officers by 2023, and is ahead of schedule to have the first 6,000 in place by Marchc2021.

The figures also show a police workforce that is now more diverse, with 10.7% of new recruits identifying as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, and with 9,842 of all officers now being from these groups.

The Government said it is also boosting police pay by 2.5% this year, equivalent to a constable receiving an extra £1,100, providing officers with an increase above inflation for the second year running, the largest pay rise in a decade.

A new police covenant will also be enshrined into law, which will offer enhanced support and protection for frontline officers, and is bringing forward legislation to double the maximum sentence for those convicted of assaults on frontline staff including police officers, firefighters and paramedics.