New Prime Minister Must Honour Pledge To Increase Police

THE upcoming General Election may put a hold on the planned recruitment of 20,000 extra officers to replace those cut during years of austerity.

But Essex Police Federation hopes whoever is Prime Minister from 13 December will implement the drive for more officers on the beat.

Chairman Steve Taylor said: “For too long, Essex Police has suffered under the burden of austerity and for the first time, in the run-up to this election, we saw the green roots had a little bit of growth.

“Essex Police are actively recruiting for officers to fill those vacancies, the money for which has been promised. I would implore any Government to honour any promises made for funding as quickly as possible following them taking power after the general election.

“There is no silver in the family sideboard. There are no financial levers which Essex Police can pull on to see them through and honour these debts.

“So, we really must call for, as quickly as we can, the new Government to secure and make the right decisions on police funding.”