Op Uplift update

Today marks the deadline for police services to have recruited all their additional officers as part of Operation Uplift which saw 20,000 additional officers promised nationwide.

PCC Mark Shelford said: “I’ve been monitoring closely how the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police planned to deliver on our share of the Government promised increased of additional officers for the police service in England and Wales,. I’m pleased to say that Avon and Somerset Police has not only met but also surpassed their target.

“The original target for recruitment set out by Government for the force was 456 additional officers but they have gained an additional 99 on top of that figure meaning there are 555 extra officers in roles across the service in our area.

“The total number of police officers now serving Avon and Somerset is 3,390. This is 205 more officers than they had in 2010, which will mean better service and more visible policing for our communities.

“One of my main Police and Crime Plan priorities is to ensure the Chief Constable delivers an efficient and effective police service and focuses resources on crime prevention. These additional officers will go a long way to supporting ASP to achieve these aims.”