We have more police officers than at any time in history says Suffolk Chief Constable
Chief Constable Rachel Kearton on police numbers, anti-social behaviour and the new policy of Right Care, Right Person (Image: Charlotte Bond)
The Home Office recently published the progress made across all forces in the recruitment of 20,000 additional officers to the end of March 2023.
As a result of the hard work and dedication of all forces across England and Wales, 20,951 additional officers have been recruited and this means that nationally we now have more police officers than at any time in history, 149,572 officers, eclipsing the previous peak number of 146,030 officers in 2010.
I am pleased to confirm that in Suffolk we have almost 300 students on the Police Educational Qualification Framework (PEQF) pathway, and have now commenced year two (117 students in Suffolk).
East Anglian Daily Times: In Suffolk,we have almost 300 students on the Police Educational Qualification Framework (PEQF) pathway, says Rachel
In Suffolk,we have almost 300 students on the Police Educational Qualification Framework (PEQF) pathway, says Rachel (Image: Simon Parker)
Beyond the headline number of additional officers, there are now more officers working in public protection, in local policing and in crime investigations and additional officers deployed to Regional and Organised Crime Units (ROCUs).
Officers have joined with valuable experience from other sectors such as from customer services, the military and from business and finance.
Looking ahead, we will continue to do all we can to ensure that officer numbers are maintained, and new recruits receive the necessary training and support to enable them to be as effective as possible.
Retention, and in particular retention of experienced officers, is a key part of the overall picture on maintenance as they help to support and upskill new recruits.
The job of a police officer is so rewarding – please see our website[1] if you are interested in joining our family.
East Anglian Daily Times: A new approach to anti-social behaviour is being adopted, says Rachel
A new approach to anti-social behaviour is being adopted, says Rachel
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) has the power to severely blight not only individual victims but the wider community, which is why Suffolk Constabulary is committed to tackling this, with support from our partners, to ensure people can feel safe and free from fear in their own homes and communities.
Over the last year Suffolk Constabulary has reformed it’s approach to ASB, introducing new risk assessment processes, establishing escalation policies for high-risk cases and building stronger relationships with partners so we can tackle issues together.
We have been focusing not only on effectively dealing with ASB reported to us but proactivity that will stop issues in their tracks before they have a chance to take hold through effective use of diversion tactics and ASB legislation.
In March 2023, the Government published a new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan which will be launched over 2023-2024.
Suffolk Constabulary look forward to engaging in this new plan and making sure that we support the national effort to stamp out ASB.
As part of the National ASB Awareness Week, which is being held from the 3-9 July, officers will be out raising awareness of ASB, policing hotspot areas and working with partners on proactive ASB operations.
This week will also see the launch of ‘Suffolk’s Anti-Social Principles’ which have been adopted by all agencies involved in tackling ASB across Suffolk, including police and provide a guide as to how we will deliver the best possible outcomes to victims of ASB.
Please look out for further information regarding this in the coming weeks on Suffolk Constabulary social media and if you want to know more about how ASB is dealt with in Suffolk visit the Suffolk Constabulary[2] or your district council’s ASB webpages.
You may have seen in the media recently talk of Right Care Right Person (RCRP).
Protecting and keeping people safe is our top priority and we do everything in our power to keep people safe from danger.
It is important. however, that vulnerable people are given the right support when they need it and all too often police officers are left as the service of last resort, looking after people with mental health or social care needs.
The skills and support that vulnerable people in crisis need are often not those of a police officer and it is important that the public of Suffolk have their needs met by the appropriately trained professional in a timely way.
We have asked partners across the county to be part of some work to identify where the gaps are in services so that we can work together to ensure the right service is provided to people at the right time.
East Anglian Daily Times: Chief Constable Rachel Kearton explains what Right Care, Right Person will mean for Suffolk
Chief Constable Rachel Kearton explains what Right Care, Right Person will mean for Suffolk (Image: Archant)
This work will continue with the current intention to introduce a phased programme of ‘Right Care, Right Person’ commencing later this year.
To be clear, we will continue to protect the public where the risks presented need a policing attendance.
We will also work with our partners to support them whilst they make the relevant adjustments to meet the needs of their service users.
Any police time that is saved through the changes will be used to focus on crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities.
Finally, community engagement is so important to me and it was my privilege to attend the first day of the Suffolk Show at the end of May.
The sun was shining, and people gathered in their numbers to enjoy the day. On the Emergency Services stand it was delightful to speak with so many of you. Thank you to all those who took the time to visit me and my colleagues – it really was a wonderful day.
East Anglian Daily Times: The Chief Constable enjoyed a great day at the Suffolk Show
The Chief Constable enjoyed a great day at the Suffolk Show (Image: Suffolk Police)
References
- ^ our website (www.suffolk.police.uk)
- ^ visit the Suffolk Constabulary (www.suffolk.police.uk)