The pledge was made in the Conservatives' 2019 election manifesto, to help cut crime.
It means the numbers are back to 2010 levels - before Tory-led austerity drives led to cutbacks.
Croydon Central MP and Shadow Policing Minister Sarah Jones says the Tories have “decimated” policing.
She adds that “a rushed recruitment where corners have been cut all over the place is not something the country should be grateful for. “