• Figures released today show that 500 extra police officers have been recruited in Essex as part of the Conservative Government’s manifesto pledge to put 20,000 more officers on the streets.  
• Since the recruitment drive was launched in 2019, the Conservative Government has now recruited almost 21,000 new police officers in England and Wales, according to new figures published today (Wednesday 26 April).
• The additional police for Essex builds on the Conservative Government’s Beating Crime Plan and the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act – reducing crime, protecting victims and keeping our streets safe.  

Rebecca Harris has welcomed the announcement that 500 extra police officers have been recruited in Essex since September 2019, bringing the total number of officers up to 3,816. 

This is Conservative Party delivery in action and represents the fulfilment of a key 2019 manifesto promise. It comes as part of a wider plan of action from the Conservative Government to tackle crime across the nation.

The Conservative Government’s Beating Crime Plan will deliver a safer Britain alongside record funding for our police, with a £17.2 billion policing budget for 2023–2024. This is alongside the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act which is giving the police and courts the powers they need to tackle serious crime head-on. The Conservative Government is also delivering its Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, backed by £100 million in funding, making our streets and neighbourhoods safer for women and girls.

Since 2010, crime excluding fraud has been cut by over 50% – making our communities safer. Theft has been reduced by 20% and domestic burglary by 30%. The Conservative Government has also taken 90,000 knives off our streets through stop and search, surrender initiatives and targeted police action since 2019.

When it comes to the safety of your streets and our neighbourhoods, only the Conservatives can be trusted to deliver. 

Commenting, Rebecca Harris MP said:

“From working with our local police force, I know just how valuable 500 more police officers will be in helping crack down on crime in our local community. 

“These recruits mean there are now 3,816 police officers in Essex and more police officers than ever before across the country, helping to pursue criminals and tackle anti-social behaviour, keeping neighbourhoods safe for the law-abiding majority.

“It is clear it is only the Conservatives who can keep our streets safe, give people peace of mind, and deliver on the priorities of the British people”.

Commenting, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: 

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities, on their streets and in their homes. 

“Now we've delivered our 2019 manifesto promise, with more than 20,000 new police officers.

“With a record 150,000 police officers across England and Wales, people can trust in the Conservatives to keep our streets safe and deliver for local areas.”