In a statement, released this morning, the government revealed the recruitment drive will start in September, with the launch of a national campaign led by the Home Office.

Johnson said he wants recruitment completed over the next three years. In support of this, the government will set out plans for a new national policing board.

Johnson said: “As I said on the steps of Downing Street this week, my job as prime minister is to make our streets safer.

“People want to see more officers in their neighbourhoods, protecting the public and cutting crime. I promised 20,000 extra officers and that recruitment will now start in earnest.”

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