Neighbourhood policing in Cumbria boosted with new officers
Investment strengthens community ties with increased police presence
Neighbourhood policing in Cumbria is set to benefit from an increase in the number of Community Beat Officers following significant investment.
Cumbria Constabulary has returned 16 officers to frontline roles and created an additional 10 posts, raising the total number of Community Beat Officers from 58 to 84.
This growth supports the Neighbourhood Policing Pledge, which aims to strengthen local policing by enhancing visibility and focusing on community priorities.
The uplift of 26 officers represents a 44.8% increase in Community Beat Officers and will be deployed across various communities including Eden, Kendal, Barrow, Carlisle, Wigton, Allerdale, and Copeland.
Additional officers will bolster policing presence in areas like Appleby, Alston, Pooley Bridge, Windermere, Coniston, Cartmel, Keswick, Maryport, Workington, Egremont, Cleator Moor, and Barrow town centre.
Investment follows favourable public confidence results, where Cumbria ranks third nationally for confidence in policing.
Operation Enhance has also been making strides, with reductions in anti-social behaviour, retail crime, and serious violence based on Crime Survey data for England and Wales spanning April 2025 to March 2026.
Chief Constable Darren Martland emphasised the importance of neighbourhood officers, saying, "Our neighbourhood officers are the eyes and ears of the communities they serve, building relationships, listening to local concerns and understanding the issues affecting residents."
Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson noted, "These additional officers will provide greater capacity to tackle anti-social behaviour, prevent crime, and respond to community concerns."
Cumbria's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen highlighted community concerns about visible policing by stating, “Our public want to see more officers on their streets.”
Allen added, “Strong community policing means safer and more welcoming communities – we must work together to ensure our residents and visitors continue to be safe in Cumbria.”