Fewer police than 2010, critics say

THERE are fewer police officers per head of population now than in 2010 despite a major national recruitment campaign hailed as an "historic moment" by Home Secretary Suella Braverman, it has been claimed.

Both the Police Federation, which represents more than 130,000 officers from the rank of constable to chief inspector, and the Labour party, took issue with figures released by the Government yesterday.

The announcement came at the end of a four-year recruitment drive to replace 20,000 officers whose jobs were cut during austerity.

Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales Steve Hartshorn accused the Government of misleading the public.

He said: "The 20,000 new police officers joining the service in England and Wales has been desperately needed. However, the Government's claim of the recruitment drive resulting in a stronger, healthily staffed service is misleading and misplaced.