LONDON - The British Home Secretary Sajid Javid on Wednesday pledged to ensure police officers have resources to meet the challenges they face.

The promise came as Javid delivered his first Police Federation speech. The newly appointed official's brother is a chief superintendent in the West Midlands.

Javid promised to provide the "tools and powers" frontline officers need. "I've seen the impact the job has had on family life," he said.

He also vowed to prioritize police funding during the next Home Office spending review, adding that 1 billion pounds ($1.33 billion) more was already being invested in policing compared to three years ago.

He made a particular commitment to roll out protective equipment to tackle the assault of police officers.

But critics said his commitments were "nothing beyond platitudes" and that action is needed, not just words.