Police officer numbers are falling at their fastest rate in seven years, new statistics reveal.
The latest figures published by the Home Office show a drop in numbers at a majority of forces across the country. Bedfordshire has the twelfth lowest decline.
Between September 2015 and September 2016, Bedfordshire officer numbers fell by 1.8 per cent - compared to a national average of 2.2 per cent.
According to the statistics the Force had 1,067 officers in September 2016. In September 2015 it had 1,087 Jim Mallen, chairman of Bedfordshire Police Federation, said: “While we have lost considerably fewer officers than some forces, this is still incredibly concerning.
“Morale is low, the service is getting a kicking and there is no fall in demand for the police service.
“In fact, we are having to do more. We are the service people turn to when they need help. We are dealing with more patients with mental health issues than ever before and we are picking up the slack where other organisations can’t or won’t meet demand for their services.
“Our officers’ welfare is of paramount importance and the decrease in bodies to do the jobs is only going to add to their stress and workload.
“It is time some realised that we are at breaking point and there needs to be some serious consideration given to reinvesting in Britain’s police service.”
Nationally, as of 30 September 2016, the figures show there were 122,859 police officers, a decrease of 2.2 per cent, or 2,715 fewer people than in the previous 12 months. This leaves one officer per 460 people in England and Wales.
The size of the total police workforce in England and Wales has fallen below 200,000 for the first time in more than 10 years. Forces employed 198,228 personnel - including officers, civilian staff and PCSOs - at the end of September. It is the first time the total workforce figure has dipped below 200,000 since 2003.
