South Yorkshire Police Federation Warns Neighbourhood Policing Boost Is ‘Band-Aid’ Without Long-Term Strategy

Government investment in neighbourhood policing is a sticking plaster solution to a larger problem, South Yorkshire Police Federation says.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to recruit 3,000 more neighbourhood officers and PCSOs over the next year to end a “postcode lottery” in policing.

SYP Federation Chair Steve Kent welcomed the move but said the force needed a radical influx of officers to feel the benefit.

He called for a focus on retaining experienced officers to ensure forces could grow rather than rely on new recruits.

Steve said: “These numbers aren’t going to make a massive change to South Yorkshire Police in terms of a fundamental change.

“We are a force that’s already been performing well in terms of its neighbourhood function and it’s been recognised as such.”

Steve insisted neighbourhood officers were the “bedrock” of policing but said “significant resources” were needed to make a real impact.

He added: “At the moment, all forces are doing is treading water and neighbourhood colleagues and response colleagues are having to help each other out in terms of doing their roles.

“I welcome the funding, but it’s putting a Band-Aid on the problem.

“These words need to be backed up with real radical action in terms of policing resources and numbers.”