North East police forces receive extra £100m government funding to improve community safety
by Owen Younger · ChronicleLiveNorth East police forces are set to receive an extra £100million in government funding to improve safety in local communities and neighbourhoods. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is aiming to get more neighbourhood police officers on the streets with this financial boost.
A breakdown of the funding increases at the three major North East police forces is as follows:
- Up to £188.8 million for Cleveland Police, a cash increase of 6.3%.
- Up to £178.0 million for Durham Constabulary, a cash increase of 6.5%.
- Up to £421.1 million for Northumbria Police, a cash increase of 7%.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "This major investment marks a turning point for policing in this country. By doubling extra neighbourhood funding to £200m, we are giving forces across the country what they need to put more officers and PCSO’s where they’re needed most, on our streets and in our town centres.
"Every neighbourhood deserves dedicated officers who know their patch, understand residents’ concerns and can tackle problems before they escalate. This investment, alongside new powers we are bringing into law, will help prevent crime and protect our communities, which is at the heart of our Plan for Change.
"Restoring local policing will not happen overnight, but this funding boost will get more officers into our town centres and rural areas."
The government is looking to make progress on its Safer Streets mission and Plan for Change, which will put 13,000 additional police officers, Police Community Support Officers and special constables into communities, with the overall goal being to restore neighbourhood policing.
Individual forces will determine how to use the investment based on what is needed most in their area, with plans set to be submitted to the government for approval in Spring. The newly-formed Police Performance Unit will oversee this, to make sure that communities get the best service possible.
One organisation, the Neighbourhood Watch, is set to benefit from this police support, with CEO John Hayward-Cripps saying: "Neighbourhood Watch is delighted that the government is further increasing the investment in neighbourhood policing.
"With the increased demands on the police, and public confidence at a low point, a focus on neighbourhood policing is key to the police being visible, approachable, and engaging proactively with the public. This injection of investment will increase public confidence in the police and enhance feelings of safety within local communities."
For more information, visit the Home Office section of the government website here.
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