Police chief welcomes pledge to boost officer numbers

Staffordshire's most senior officer Gareth Morgan, who has persistently called for more funding from the Government, said the bolstering of the ranks would help people "feel safe and secure".

Extra police has been one of Mr Johnson's most eye-catching pledges since entering Number 10 and the announcement has gone down well with chiefs, not withstanding a potential general election which could change things.

Mr Morgan criticised former Home Secretary Sajid Javid last year when he responded to calls for more funding by saying it was up to police forces to use their resources more efficiently.

The Chief Constable said he hoped it would mean more new officers arriving in Staffordshire than planned.

He said: “I welcome the Government’s announcement to increase funding to policing and its recognition the reduction in police numbers has to be addressed.

"The launch of today’s national police recruitment campaign to recruit 20,000 additional police over the next three years will help us address the increasingly complex world of crime and the public’s right to feel safe and secure.

"This uplift, the details of which are not yet clear, will accelerate our existing recruitment plans in Staffordshire which stepped up a gear earlier this year when we launched the new partnership with Staffordshire University to support entry routes into policing for those who will work and gain a degree and for those who will join with existing degree level qualifications.

"We are now looking to increase the numbers being recruited this year. This is an exciting time to enter policing and we are looking for recruits from across the diverse communities of Staffordshire.

"If you want a varied and rewarding career and to make a positive difference serving the public in your community, policing could be for you.”