Starmer plans 3,000 new neighbourhood police officers by 2026

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to increase neighbourhood police presence, pledging to add 3,000 new officers by early 2026 as part of a broader goal to recruit 13,000 officers by 2029. Each neighbourhood will have a named, contactable officer, ensuring dedicated patrols during peak times in town centres to combat rising crime and antisocial behaviour. Starmer emphasized the need for visible policing, criticizing the current state where crime often goes unsolved and communities feel abandoned. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper supported the initiative, stating that neighbourhood policing has been 'decimated' and expressing a commitment to restore community trust in law enforcement. However, concerns remain about the financial sustainability of these plans amid existing budget challenges for police forces. The Labour government aims to address community safety comprehensively by putting prevention at the forefront of policing initiatives.