England and Wales have the highest number of police officers on record: over 149,000 officers. As a result of the police recruitment drive committed to in 2019, over 20,000 additional police officers have now been hired. This means that there are now over 3,500 more officers than the previous peak, so it is the highest number ever. The target for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary was 498 additional officers.
But Police & Crime Commissioner Donna Jones was determined to go further. Last year it was confirmed that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight had achieved a higher number of 600 hires – 102 police officers more than the target Donna had been given. In 2023 she funded another 50 police officers and in 2024 she is funding a further 75. People across the area had reported that they missed 'knowing' their local officer. That’s why Donna Jones also brought back the ‘Local Bobby’ for communities across the police force area. 99 dedicated police officers have been allocated to specific places.
You can find who your Local Bobby is, and how to contact them at - HampshireAlert.co.uk.
