Labour is delivering up to 65 new neighbourhood police officers for Hampshire within a year as part of a £200 million government investment to recruit 13,000 officers and PCSOs nationwide by the end of Parliament.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan has welcomed the announcement, which forms part of the government’s commitment to deploy nearly 3,000 additional police officers and PCSOs in neighbourhood roles by March 2026.
Enhanced Police Presence Priority
Improving Portsmouth’s street safety has remained a central focus for Mr Morgan since taking office as the local MP. He has consistently engaged with local police forces and advocated for increased support to combat crime across the city.
The MP’s ‘Give us our bobbies back’ initiative gained significant backing from residents, who called for greater police visibility throughout Portsmouth.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan commented: “Over the past decade, Hampshire lost more than 1,000 police officers since 2010, leaving Portsmouth residents feeling increasingly unsafe.
“This explains why I’ve persistently campaigned for the return of our bobbies to the beat, enhancing police visibility across our city whilst reducing crime rates.
“I’m thrilled that the Labour Government is providing new neighbourhood police for our region to tackle persistent antisocial behaviour and protect our communities.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP stated: “The Conservatives destroyed neighbourhood policing whilst crimes including shoplifting and street theft escalated dramatically. This represented the Tories’ catastrophic legacy regarding law and order, with our communities bearing the consequences.
“This Labour Government remains committed to restoring bobbies to the beat across communities nationwide, providing officers with necessary powers to address local crimes.
“With 3,000 extra officers and PCSOs in neighbourhood positions this year alone, we’re demonstrating the impact a Labour Government delivers.”
This represents a crucial initial step in addressing the antisocial behaviour and street crime that has plagued town centres extensively.
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Beginning in July, every force will patrol towns during peak periods, delivering the enhanced visibility and presence that high streets have desperately needed.
The Conservatives eliminated neighbourhood policing, and by their departure from office, over half the public reported never seeing a bobby on patrol.
Under Conservative leadership, PCSO numbers halved whilst Special Constable numbers dropped by two-thirds, as shoplifting and street crime increased uncontrollably.
The Labour Government is committed to rebuilding the essential connection between police forces and local communities, ensuring officers maintain visibility and presence within their areas whilst tackling crimes including antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and off-road biking.
The government’s forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill will introduce comprehensive new police powers to combat local crimes alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
These measures include Respect Orders to target persistent antisocial offenders and exclude them from town centres, immediate police powers to confiscate dangerous off-road bikes disrupting high streets, and establishing a new offence of assaulting retail workers to safeguard shop staff.
The Conservative Party opposed these measures.
The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee ensures every area receives designated, contactable neighbourhood policing teams by July, with officers conducting patrols during peak times.
