PSNI launches recruitment drive to increase officer numbers to 7,000

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has initiated a recruitment campaign to address its historically low officer numbers, currently at 6,300. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher aims to increase this to 7,000 by 2028, but achieving this goal will require an additional £200 million in funding from the Northern Ireland Executive. This is the first recruitment effort since 2021, following a moratorium due to budget constraints, and new officers will start with a salary of £34,000, which includes a 'danger money' allowance. The campaign seeks to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of community representation within the force. Boutcher has highlighted the strain on current officers, who face increased workloads and stress, and noted that the PSNI has been losing about 350 officers annually. The recruitment drive underscores the urgent need to stabilize the force amid ongoing discussions about police numbers in relation to public safety and service delivery.