By David Sandall Temporary Chief Constable for Leicestershire Police
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
The first few months of 2026 mark a critical period for policing. We await details of a national government review on the future structures of policing in the UK and confirmation of our budget for the upcoming financial year.
Over recent years, Leicestershire Police have achieved savings of £23 million. However, we still have less officers, staff and PCSOs than we did in 2010 despite the calls for service, complexity and expectations on policing increasing. Recently, an external inspection recognised Leicestershire Police as a leading force in the country for financial management thanks to our outstanding Finance Team, our strategic approach to sustainability, and proactive planning over the years.
The reality is that the budget constraints mean we have to prioritise reduced resources efficiently, but we still remain proud of our achievements as your local police force, and our commitment to ensuring the safety of the people in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland remains unwavering.
The latest national data for Leicestershire Police shows that crime is down and trust and confidence is rising, which is built upon a bedrock of local neighbourhood based policing and a relentless focus on tackling those causing harm within our communities.
Last summer, the force faced unprecedented demand due to numerous protests, both nationally and locally, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning and deployment of specialist trained officers. The force handles between 1,500 and 1,900 service calls daily, ranging from critical incidents to routine matters, and each requires careful assessment. It is clear you can assist us, and we have been promoting the #HelpUsHelpYou campaign, found on the Leicestershire Police website. This helpful guidance reminds us all a 999-emergency should be used for ongoing incidents that pose a danger to life, involve violence or the threat of violence, result in serious injury, or cause significant property damage.
The #HelpUsHelpYou campaign encourages the public to use online reporting for non-emergency incidents via our website and whilst we provide an emergency service 24/7 365 days a year, it is important that the right agency is called to ensure the right care can be provided. This enables the police to prioritise and focus on our core role as an emergency service, maintaining order, preventing and detecting crime.
I am immensely proud of our force and the individuals who work here, and there are always opportunities to join our
team. The courage and dedication of our officers, staff, cadets, and volunteers, who often are there to support people in crisis and run towards danger, should never be forgotten.
I am grateful for their commitment, and we will continue working hard to deliver a good service with high standards for
the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
