Commissioner welcomes UK Government boost for neighbourhood policing

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jane Mudd, has welcomed the UK Government’s plans to boost neighbourhood policing across the country.

The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee will put 13,000 more officers into neighbourhood policing rolls across England and Wales by 2029. It will require police forces to have named and contactable officers for every ward and will guarantee police patrols in busy areas at peak times.

The guarantee forms part of the UK Government’s Police and Crime Bill and is part of its commitment to build trust in policing and tackle crime in communities.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jane Mudd said: “Chief Constable Mark Hobrough and I are united in our commitment to increase visible policing in our communities. This is what our residents have told us they want and that is why it forms a key part of my newly launched Police, Crime and Justice Plan.

“However, police budgets are already stretched and to fully realise this ambition we need investment. The UK Government’s announcement of new officers, and its previous commitment to more funding, provides a greatly needed financial boost for neighbourhood policing.

“It will help us to make a real difference for our communities and to build trust and between our residents and Gwent Police.”