New police recruitment data shows progress on diversity but still work to be done

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Friday, 29 October 2021 12:19

By Sam Dean

Home Secretary, Priti Patel, meets new TVP recruits

New figures released on 28th October show that Thames Valley Police has increased the number of women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic recruits in the last 12 months.

As part of their National Police Uplift Programme, Thames Valley Police has recruited over 12% more women police officers into the force in the last 12 months compared to the previous three-year average, and has increased the rate of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic recruitment by 7%.

Overall figures however still show a police force struggling to level-up on diversity. The latest data shows that only 35.7% of Thames Valley Police officers are women – and more worryingly, they make up only around a quarter of senior officers (26.5%).

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic officers account for just 5.1% of the total force, despite 15.4% the Thames Valley region having a BME background.

Following the release of the uplift figures, Home Secretary Priti Patel met with Thames Valley Police’s new intake of trainee officers at the force’s training centre in Sulhampstead, Berkshire.

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.”

Thames Valley Police will be opening its officer recruitment programme in early November and more information for those interested in applying can be found here: https://tvpcareers.co.uk/roles/police-officer/.

Thames Valley Police has been contacted by Buck Radio for comment.

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