“A positive future lies ahead.” Lincolnshire Police unveils plans for  more officers, PCSOs and fraud team

The initiative, named “Lincs 2030”, follows confirmation of long-term funding stability and includes plans for more officers, more police staff, expanded neighbourhood policing and new specialist teams.

Chief Constable Paul Gibson described the programme as a “turning point” after years of financial pressure.

He said: “We now have the opportunity to invest with confidence in the areas that will make the greatest difference to our communities.

“This programme ensures we are better equipped, better resourced, and better prepared to meet both current and future demands.”

Under the plans, more than 136 additional police staff roles will be created, taking staffing levels to around 1,240 posts, with recruitment already due to begin in the coming months.

Officer numbers are also set to increase by 28, bringing the total establishment to 1,218.

Lincolnshire Police says up to 128 student officers will also be recruited through the Police Constable Entry Programme during 2026 and 2027, alongside a new partnership with Police Now to bring in trainee detectives through its Detective Academy.

A key part of the programme focuses on protecting vulnerable people, with extra investment going into tackling domestic abuse, child abuse and sexual offences.

Specialist safeguarding and investigation teams are expected to grow as demand for those services continues to rise.

The force will also expand its Enhanced Video Response team, allowing members of the public to speak with officers over video calls instead of waiting for face-to-face appointments.

The service was first piloted in East Lindsey last year and police say public feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Investment is also being made in digital policing and cyber capability, including improvements to data systems, intelligence gathering and digital forensics.

Neighbourhood policing will continue to see a visible presence maintained across the county, with 50 PCSOs remaining in post as part of the long-term plan.

A brand-new dedicated fraud team is also being introduced to tackle what the force described as a growing and highly personal form of crime.

Mr Gibson added: “This is about building a modern police service that combines traditional policing strengths with the opportunities offered by new technology.

“We are investing in our people and therefore improving the service, supporting them to do what they joined to do — make a real difference to the communities they serve.”

Lincolnshire Police says the Lincs 2030 programme will form part of a wider overhaul of how the force operates, with further changes and investment expected over the next three years.

Mr Gibson said the aim was to ensure communities feel safer, are kept informed and continue to receive high-quality policing services into the future.

“A positive future lies ahead,” he said.

Victoria Atkins, the Member of Parliament for the Louth and Horncastle constituency, has welcomed Lincolnshire Police’s Lincs2030 Programme.

Speaking about the announcement, Ms Atkins said: “The news of Lincolnshire Police investing in more police officer, detectives, PCSOs

and police support staff is very welcome.

“Last year, working with the PCC, the Chief Constable and other Conservative MPs, we raised serious concerns about proposed police funding cuts by this government

and we welcomed the fact that they performed another u-turn, with an increase in funding and grants over the next three years. It is great to see the plans that the Police have now been able to put into place with this additional funding and to see increased police numbers planned, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable and on a greater neighbourhood policing presence.”

MP for Boston and Skegness Richard Tice said: “I welcome this investment in Lincolnshire Police, particularly the focus on increasing officer numbers, strengthening neighbourhood policing, protecting vulnerable people and improving the force’s ability to tackle modern crime.

£Lincolnshire’s rural communities face unique policing challenges and, while this is a positive step forward, there is still more to do to ensure the county receives the long-term funding and resources it needs.

“I will continue working with the force and Government to back law and order and ensure communities across Lincolnshire feel safe and protected.

“The focus must now be on delivery. Residents want to see more visibility, faster response times and better success rate in solving crime.”