Officer numbers rise in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight despite national decline

Police officer numbers are continuing to rise in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight despite a national fall across England and Wales, according to newly published Home Office statistics.

The latest data shows a national net reduction of 1,318 full-time equivalent (FTE) police officers over the past 12 months. While 24 police forces recorded year-on-year increases, reductions across the remaining 19 forces resulted in an overall national decline. The highest national officer numbers were recorded in March 2024.

In contrast, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary continues to buck the national trend, with officer numbers growing despite reduced central government funding.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones has announced funding for a further 36 police officers in the year ahead, bringing the total number of officers funded since 2021 to 851 — almost a third more than when she took office.

Commenting on the figures, PCC Donna Jones said the national funding picture was putting communities at risk.

“The government is putting communities at risk. Police officer numbers are falling up and down the country. There is insufficient funding and support from the Home Office,” she said.

“However, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is bucking the national trend.

“Whilst police officer numbers across the country have dropped by a staggering amount, I’ve made police recruitment and funding more police officers my number one priority every year since I’ve been the PCC.

“This week I’ve published the police budget for the year ahead. This includes growing officer numbers by a further 36 for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary. A total of 851 more police officers have been funded since I’ve been in post, almost a third more than when I arrived.

“This financial year, the government reduced the funding expected for Hampshire & Isle of Wight residents, meaning local taxpayers are picking up the costs for police visibility.

“I intend to make this case to the government today; policing requires sustainable long-term funding to ensure policing services remain equipped to meet the growing demand and keep communities safe.”

The PCC said she would continue to lobby central government for long-term national investment in policing, warning that without sustainable funding settlements, local communities could face increased pressure and reduced visibility.

More information on policing and community safety in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be found at www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk.