PCC CALLS FOR PM TO RESTORE POLICE NUMBERS IN HIGHER CRIME THREAT AREAS
David Jamieson is the PCC for the West Midlands
A police and crime commissioner has urged Boris Johnson to return officer numbers to 2010 levels in regions facing a higher threat of crime - rather than focusing on "leafy, lower crime areas".
In a new year letter to the Prime Minister, West Midlands PCC David Jamieson invited Mr Johnson to visit the region to discuss the "urgent need" for major investment in policing.
Calling for the Prime Minister's support in reducing the number of exclusions to prevent children being driven into violent, county lines drugs gangs, Mr Jamieson said: "One of your key promises during the election was to recruit a further 20,000 police officers across the country."
Mr Jamieson, who is also urging the Government to immediately re-start a ministerial taskforce to combat car theft and improve vehicle security standards, added: "We need the funding to return officer numbers to 2010 levels.
"West Midlands Police has lost 2,131 officers since 2010, but based on current projections, the force is only expecting to receive funding for around 1,200 officers."
Published: by Radio NewsHub