Police Numbers Reach Record High
26 Jul 2005
Police officer numbers are up by more than 2,000 since March 2004 to 141,230. The number of Special Constables has increased by nearly 1,000 since March 2004 to 11,918. This is the first annual increase in Specials since 1992. CSOs are up by nearly 2,800 to 6214 and Police Staff are up by nearly 3,300 to 70,869.
Paul Goggins said:
"Police numbers are at their highest ever levels, with 141,230 officers serving the public.
"Numbers have risen steadily for several years now. We are committed to funding the service to enable it to continue to employ historically high numbers of police officers.
"While record police officer numbers is excellent news, it is how policing is delivered that is important. By 2008 every area will benefit from dedicated, visible, accessible and responsive neighbourhood policing teams.
"Led by police officers, these teams will also include community support officers and special constables, and will provide a more modern, efficient and effective service to local communities."