Almost half the new recruits joining Staffordshire Police are now women as the Force continues to update its operating model in the wake of a critical review.
It hopes to have taken on another 200 extra officers by next spring as part of the Government’s uplift programme which aims to boost the police headcount nationally by 20,000.
The Force wants to have close to 1,950 officers by March 2023 – up from 1,567 in March 2019 with women making up close to 50 per cent of the new intake.
The figures have been welcomed by Staffordshire Police Federation secretary Glyn Pattinson.
He said: “We have always said that a police force which properly represents the community it serves will be much more effective so I am really pleased to note the high number of female recruits joining Staffordshire Police.
“As a Federation, we are committed to equality and diversity and we have worked hard to ensure this remains a priority across all areas including recruitment.
“The last two years have been challenging for recruitment and training with the pandemic, the lockdowns and distancing rules, so it’s really encouraging to see we’re on target with our recruitment drive.
“We welcome all our new colleagues and wish them all the best.”
The recruitment has been boosted by Staffordshire Police’s new local policing model which was launched last summer following concerns the previous model had become outdated and aims to address problem areas such as low morale, staff retention and case investigations.
Changes being introduced since the review and a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services which found “serious concerns” about the Force’s call handling and ineffective investigations, include seven new area local policing teams each with a dedicated chief inspector, inspector, response constables and PCSOs.
Glyn said: “We welcome the changes that have been made and hope in the coming months, particularly after the demands of the summer and the Commonwealth Games, that we will start to see these have an impact. The Chief Constable, Chris Noble, is committed to reviewing the Force and getting officers working more closely with colleagues and within their communities.
“This is giving them more time to conduct quality investigations, be proactive and keep those most vulnerable safe.
“Our members are doing their absolute best to deliver a service we can be proud of and to bring those who commit crime to justice.”
Staffordshire Police Federation equality lead Claire Bond also welcomed the increase in female recruitment.
She said: “As a Force, we are actively encouraging a more diverse workforce, which reflects the ever-changing dynamics of the society we serve.
“As a female police officer myself, I know there are great opportunities for other female officers to develop and promote their skills and abilities within the Force.
“A lot of the wellbeing focus is around how we support women in policing, such as menopause, maternity and disability/carers’ issues recognising a transformation in the workforce.
“Over the last 12 months we have recruited more female officers into the Federation and they now make up a third of the Staffordshire Police Federation Branch Council which is such a positive development.”
