Home Office data to confirm if recruitment pledge has been met, while concerns over quality and vetting of recruits persist.

The UK government is poised to announce whether it has achieved its ambitious goal of recruiting 20,000 new police officers across England and Wales. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed confidence that the target, central to his promise to reduce crime, is on the verge of being met.

Data from the Home Office, set to be released on Wednesday morning, will confirm if the recruitment milestone—intended to address cuts made during austerity—is reached. However, critics have questioned the pace and quality of the recruitment campaign, raising concerns about potential shortcomings in vetting and training.

In anticipation of the announcement, Home Secretary Suella Braverman plans to urge police forces to prioritise “criminal justice over social justice” during a speech for the Public Safety Foundation campaign launch. She is expected to criticise “politically correct preoccupations” in policing, advocating instead for “common sense policing” focused on addressing crime directly.

Sunak stated, “When I stood outside Downing Street six months ago, I pledged to do whatever it takes to cut crime and make our communities safer. Recruiting 20,000 additional officers is a significant part of that effort. Today, we expect to confirm that we’ve achieved this goal, which marks an important step toward transforming policing and making it more representative of the communities it serves.”

While acknowledging the progress, Sunak noted that further action is required, highlighting plans to combat anti-social behaviour through increased police presence in high-crime areas and expanded drug testing for offenders.

Policing Minister Chris Philp admitted he would be “very disappointed” if the target isn’t met, but he also emphasised the importance of ensuring the new recruits are adequately trained and supported. “The sergeants and inspectors must mentor and develop these officers to maintain policing standards,” he told MPs.

Despite reaching 84% of the target by December, concerns about the rapid recruitment pace persist. Reports suggest that some police forces resorted to inviting back previously rejected candidates to meet the deadline, sparking fears about potentially unsuitable individuals joining the force.

The £3.6 billion recruitment initiative is part of a broader £18.5 billion, 10-year plan by the Home Office. However, watchdogs, including the National Audit Office (NAO), warn that the campaign may exacerbate pressures on an already strained criminal justice system. Critics also highlight risks of recruiting inexperienced officers too quickly, with issues cited in forces like the Metropolitan Police.

As the government awaits final confirmation of its achievement, questions remain about the long-term impact of the recruitment drive and its ability to strengthen policing effectively.