Cumbria welcomes 34 new neighbourhood officers as policing guarantees boost local presence

Cumbria is now home to 34 additional neighbourhood officers, a move aimed at bolstering local policing efforts as part of a national strategy to expand community-based police roles.

The recruitment in Cumbria contributes to the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which anticipates a total increase of 13,000 neighbourhood policing personnel by the end of this Parliament.

In less than a year, over 3,123 officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been distributed into community roles nationwide, enhancing the visible police presence in various local areas.

Impact in Cumbria

The increase in officers is expected to enhance patrol visibility, strengthen community engagement, and improve responsiveness to concerns raised by local communities.

David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, emphasized the significance of this investment, stating:

“This investment in 34 additional neighbourhood officers is a major boost for policing in Cumbria. It means more visible patrols, stronger community engagement, and a greater ability to respond to the concerns residents raise with us every day.

Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of effective law enforcement - building relationships, preventing crime before it happens, and ensuring people feel safe where they live.

We are committed to making sure these additional officers deliver real impact across Cumbria, supporting our communities and tackling crime head-on.”

National Perspective

Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, highlighted the importance of this development for West Cumbria residents:

“People across West Cumbria want to see more neighbourhood policing - officers who know their communities, are visible on our streets, and can respond quickly to local concerns. That’s exactly what we are delivering with these 34 additional officers.

This is a vital step forward for our communities, helping to tackle anti-social behaviour, reduce crime, and rebuild trust in local policing. And this is just the start - nationally, we are committed to delivering 13,000 more neighbourhood police by the end of this Parliament.

Residents in West Cumbria are rightly demanding safer streets and stronger local services. With more officers on the ground, we are beginning to see real progress and a renewed focus on the issues that matter most to local people.”

Recent national data indicates a 5% rise in arrests, reflecting the positive influence of renewed investment in neighbourhood policing.