Hundreds of extra police officers a 'significant step forward' for the West Midlands

Councillor Suky Samra, chair of the region's Police and Crime Panel, has welcomed the addition of 289 Neighbourhood Police Officers and 20 PCSOs who will be based across the West Midlands.

All officers are expected to be in post with neighbourhood policing units by the end of this month.

Earlier this year, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster announced he had been successful in securing Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to pay for 150 new officers.

In addition to this 139 existing officers are also being redeployed into neighbourhood policing units.

At a Police and Crime Panel meeting this week, members were presented with a report detailing where the additional officers will be based.

Councillor Samra said: “Thanks to the National Police Guarantee, these officers will remain dedicated to neighbourhood teams and will not be reassigned to other roles.

“All new officers are expected to be in post by the end of September, meaning residents can expect to see more police presence on the streets — something many have consistently asked for.

“Each area will also have a Designated Neighbourhood Officer, providing a direct point of contact for local communities. Importantly, all new recruits will be experienced officers.

“Under the Police Guarantee, a clear career pathway will be created to support long-term neighbourhood policing, helping to ensure officers remain in these roles for longer — rather than transferring to other departments after just a few years, as has often been the case.

“The Police and Crime Panel will continue to hold the Police Commissioner accountable for delivering effective neighbourhood policing.

“This latest development marks a significant step forward in achieving that goal.”

The 289 officers will be allocated as follows:

• Birmingham Central: 25 new officers/23 redeployed

• Birmingham East: 30 new officers/28 redeployed

• Birmingham West: 25 new officers/23 redeployed

• Coventry: 12 new officers/11 redeployed

• Dudley: 10 new officers/10 redeployed

• Sandwell: 14 new officers/13 redeployed

• Solihull: 8 new officers/7 redeployed

• Walsall: 12 new officers/11 redeployed

• Wolverhampton: 14 new officers/13 redeployed

As well as these new and redeployed officers, 20 new PCSOs will also be taken on to support units.

Previously, Mr Foster said the additional officers were crucial as police numbers have been severely cut over a number of years.

“This is a contribution towards righting that wrong. But we need that accessible and reassuring visible presence out on the streets keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe.”