Thames Valley Police has increased the number of women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic recruits in the last 12 months, according to new figures released this week.
As part of the National Police Uplift Programme, 12 per cent more women have been recruited to the force over the last year in comparison to the previous three-year average.
It now means that the proportion of female officers in the force is now 35.7%
There has also been a 7 per cent increase in the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic recruits, compared to the previous years.
This brings the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic officers to 13 per cent of all Thames Valley officers.
The population of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities in the Thames Valley is 15.4%.
Police say that new recruits over the last year range from 19 to early 50s.
Thames Valley Police Chief Constable John Campbell said: “A diverse workforce is an important part of our operational effectiveness and is an essential element in maintaining public trust in policing with all of our communities.
“Attracting people from a range of backgrounds brings knowledge, expertise and insight and helps us to build stronger relationships with the public, enabling us to serve and protect them more effectively.
“We acknowledge the difficult times experienced recently in the world of policing, but we remain encouraged by the fact that more women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are applying to join us, to enjoy a fantastic career and make a difference to their communities.”
Image source: Thames Valley Police
