THE number of new recruits that joined Devon and Cornwall Police last year was the lowest in the last five years, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request shows.

The total number of police officers recruited in 2024 was 214, down from 365 the year prior and 449 the year before that, the FOI shows.

However, the total number of officers is the highest it has been in the last five years, with a headcount of 3,700.

The total number of officers in 2020 was 3086, and the number has increased by a couple hundred each year thereafter.

Of last year’s 214 new recruits, 68 entered through the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship programme, with 87 entering through some form of degree pathway.

The remainder of last year’s cohort gained enter through other means, including being transferred from another force.