36 More Police Officers To Be Recruited Across Hampshire And Isle Of Wight

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has confirmed funding for 36 additional police officers, taking the total number of officers recruited during her time in office to more than 850.

The plans were unanimously approved by the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel at a meeting on Monday (2 February).

Of the new recruits, 16 will be Neighbourhood Police Officers, with five boosting the number of Local Bobbies to 119.

The remaining officers will be deployed in frontline roles.

Donna Jones said the decision had been made despite rising costs and below-inflation funding increases from central government.

She said increasing officer numbers was essential to improving community safety and police visibility.

The recruitment will be funded through a council tax increase of less than 30p per week for most households, alongside the use of police reserves.

For a Band D property, the increase amounts to £15 per year.

The Commissioner said Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will receive a 3% funding increase from government, which she described as insufficient to cover rising costs, including police pay.

Chief Constable Alexis Boon said the additional funding would help put more officers on the streets, improve performance and support the police workforce, while continuing to make efficient use of public money.

More than 4,000 people responded to a public consultation on the police precept, with over 92% supporting an increase.

The total policing budget for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary will be £516 million, with around 41% funded by local taxpayers.