The West Midlands is set to receive 150 additional police officers as part of a drive to strengthen neighbourhood policing across the region.
Follows an application by West Midlands Police
The allocation follows a formal application made to Government by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.
He has previously highlighted the pressures on local policing, with the force still operating with around 700 fewer officers and 500 fewer PCSOs than in 2010.
Mr Foster said: “Since my election, my top priority has been to rebuild community policing across the West Midlands, and these additional officers represent a significant step towards that goal.
“While many other forces across the country have more officers than at any point in their history, a disparity that is deeply unfair, this allocation makes a meaningful contribution towards redressing that imbalance.”
He added: “These additional officers will enhance our ability to provide a visible, accessible presence within our communities, helping to prevent and tackle crime, improve safety, and deliver reassurance to residents, families, and businesses across the region.”
Investment into a new police station in Dudley
The announcement also includes investment in a new police station in Dudley, which will serve as the borough headquarters. The station will feature a front-facing contact office for residents to report crime directly, as well as facilities for neighbourhood teams and response units.
The move is intended to help rebuild neighbourhood policing, which has been identified as a priority for improving safety, building community confidence and strengthening local ties between officers and residents.
