New Plan to Boost Neighbourhood Policing Nationwide

Last week, the government announced a new set of measures aimed at improving visibility, responsiveness, and trust in local policing. As part of the broader “Plan for Change”, the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee sets out a commitment to ensure all communities across England and Wales have consistent, visible police presence and support, with a focus on prevention and public confidence.

Central to the announcement is the introduction of 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers by 2029. This represents an increase of more than 50% in neighbourhood policing capacity. The plan also includes a series of standards intended to ensure every community, regardless of location, receives a minimum level of service.

Under the new Guarantee, each neighbourhood will have named and contactable officers, supported by dedicated teams focusing on local issues. There will be guaranteed police patrols during peak times in town centres and other high-traffic areas, including Friday and Saturday nights. The government states this will address concerns about rising antisocial behaviour and visible street crime, which saw significant increases in recent years.

A new role – antisocial behaviour lead – will be introduced in every police force to help coordinate responses with local businesses and residents. These leads will be responsible for tailoring action plans to local circumstances and working with communities to develop targeted solutions.

The initiative also introduces new accountability mechanisms. A Police Standards and Performance Improvement Unit will be created to measure and monitor performance across forces. An online tool will be launched, enabling members of the public to view how their local police force is performing and to compare services across the country.

Additional legislative measures are being progressed through the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill. These include powers for police to issue Respect Orders aimed at tackling persistent antisocial behaviour, seize vehicles causing disruption, and search properties for stolen goods that have been geolocated – without requiring a warrant. The Bill also proposes changes to remove the perceived immunity for low-value theft, such as goods valued under £200.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, welcomed the plan, highlighting the importance of neighbourhood policing in reducing crime and building public trust. The College is set to introduce new training from June 2025 as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Pathway. This will support officers and staff in developing the skills needed to engage effectively with communities, tackle antisocial behaviour, and support crime prevention.

According to the government, this is the first time in fifteen years that a universal policing standard is being established across all communities. The reforms aim to reduce variation in local policing experiences – described as a “postcode lottery” – and ensure a consistent presence of police in both urban and rural settings.