THE local police bobby could make a return following an announcement by Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner.

This is as a result of the recruitment of 600 police officers to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police force by April 2024.

The news comes after Hampshire Constabulary's police staff was cut by nearly a quarter in 2021.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones said: “Today I’m announcing the return of the local policing bobby, much like the old village bobbies, town policemen and those police officers that are dedicated and named across cities and communities in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“Over the last 20 months, the public have told me that they want to feel safer in their communities.

“They want to see police officers more, but they also want to know their police officer – what their name is and how to get a hold of them.

“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I pledge 600 more police officers and I’m pleased that we have now recruited all of them.

“Two weeks ago, I announced an additional 50 police officers as part of my budget, so by this time next year – we will have 650 more police officers and a named, known individual – to everyone in their local communities.”

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In a statement on the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s website, Donna Jones added: “I have spent the last 18 months as your police commissioner listening, learning and talking to thousands of people.

“I was convinced very quickly that bringing back local named police officers to serve you and your communities was the right thing to do.

“Since then, I’ve been working on finding the money to pay for more police officers and been successful in doing that.

“600 extra police officers have already been recruited, 100 more than our national target.

“Now is the time to again make clear I am committed to giving the public what they want and need – a stronger relationship with their local police force and to feel safe in their communities.”

The Police Commissioner has worked on these plans in tandem with incoming Chief Constable, Scott Chilton who takes up his role on Thursday, February 23.