Staffordshire Police has announced plans to invest in 26 more police officers "in the next year or so" following the approval of plans to increase the police precept.

The investment in 26 additional officers, which will take the force to the "highest number of officers in 15 years", follows the approval of Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams proposed police precept, the tax residents pay for policing in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, earlier this month.

A 5.22 per cent increase was approved, meaning residents living in band D properties will see their annual police precept go up to by £15 a year to £302.57.

Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs said: "We recognise the need for additional officers in local policing, and despite funding being challenging, we've achieved that through this increase in precept and our savings programme.

"It is our ambition to be an outstanding local police service that delivers what matters to victims and local communities. While we operate within a challenging and changing environment, our plan remains ambitious.

"Thanks to previous investments that have been made, we have seen reductions in key areas such as residential burglaries and theft from the person."

The force also explained that investment in new technologies will be a "big priority" over the next 12 months including introducing an AI virtual assistant, designed to handle non-emergency queries, provide information on topics like lost property, and redirect users to appropriate services.

Staffordshire Police explained that the AI assistant has been trialled by Thames Valley Police and the Isle of Wight Constabulary and will not be a replacement for 999 emergency calls or crime reporting.

advertisement

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "The role of AI in policing is rapidly evolving, shaping the way policing interacts with communities and delivers services.

"However, this will support professional judgement, not replace it. It will be ethical and proportionate."

The police force also explained that the additional funding will allow them to "build on the progress" they have made tackling serious and organised crime.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: "This has been another challenging year for setting the police budget.

"Once again, government grant funding does not fully cover the increased cost of inflation, pay rises, or national policy decisions.

"The government talks about increased 'spending power' for emergency services, but unfortunately this relies on above-inflation increases in local council tax. 

"My preference would always be not to raise council tax. However, this would lead to real cuts in your police service and a reduction in their capability to keep you safe.

"Every penny raised will be focused on strengthening the service, so it is fit for the future. This, coupled with robust savings, will mean we are all better off and safer.

advertisement

"It will allow us to continue investing in officers and staff, and ensure they have the equipment and skills required to keep themselves – and you – safe."