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Northumbria Police is one of the largest police forces in the country, serving a population of almost 1.5 million people. It covers a diverse area of more than 2,000 square miles, from vibrant cities to rural areas. It also includes areas which are amongst the most deprived in the country with high levels of unemployment.

Northumbria’s vision is to be an outstanding police force, by focusing on prevention, being there when the public need us and delivering an outstanding service. All activity is underpinned by the Code of Ethics which is inclusive and supports everyone in policing.

In 2023/24, the force received 713,225 calls for service, dealt with 480,572 incidents and investigated 144,327 crimes, with improving positive outcome rates for recorded crime.

In March 2024, the force increased the number of area commands to six to align with local authority areas. This change enables us to better respond to the needs of communities and strengthen existing partnerships.

Delivery is achieved by 3,804 police officers and 2,097 police staff, including 80 police community support officers alongside police staff volunteers, cadets and special constables. Further growth will take place in 2025/26 in support of the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

There has been significant investment in technology to ensure a more efficient and effective delivery of policing services and respond to increasing demand.

We have invested in our workforce and are committed to their development so they can deliver the best service for local communities.  Everyone within the organisation is being equipped with leadership training.

The force continues to manage a balanced budget, with savings and efficiencies being achieved and spending plans controlled.  Over £23.6m in cashable efficiencies have been identified over the last three years, which have been used to offset budget pressures and invest in keeping people safe and fighting crime.

Northumbria Police is one of the largest police forces in the country, serving a population of almost 1.5 million people. It covers a diverse area of more than 2,000 square miles, from vibrant cities to rural areas. It also includes areas which are amongst the most deprived in the country with high levels of unemployment.

Northumbria’s vision is to deliver an outstanding service, working with communities to prevent crime and disorder and protect the most vulnerable people from harm. The force’s strategic priorities directly support those of its communities and the Police and Crime Plan priorities of Fighting Crime, Preventing Crime and Improving Lives. There are 3,621 police officers, 2,089 police staff, including 193 police community support officers. The force is also supported by 112 police staff volunteers, 225 police cadets and 123 special constables. There are plans to exceed the force uplift target by March 2023 and reach up to 3,808 officers. Police staff numbers are also increasing to 2,225.

In 2021/22, the force received 731,833 calls for service, 83,242 digital contacts, dealt with 435,680 incidents and investigated 137,761 crimes. This demand was substantially higher than the previous year, with 37% more 999 calls and 39% more emergency incidents.

There has been a significant investment in technology. This investment in technology and our people, will ensure a more efficient and effective delivery of policing services and respond to increasing demand.

The force continues to seek ways to improve engagement opportunities with its local communities. Public confidence remains high alongside satisfaction levels with the service provided.

Central funding for policing in Northumbria has been reduced significantly in real terms since 2010. Despite these funding reductions, the force continues to manage a balanced budget, with savings and efficiencies being achieved and spending plans controlled.  The budget for 2022/23 is £339.332m.