Police Information

Call for big increase in police numbers

Sun, May 20, 2001

Source:

The Government is once again under attack over policing and crime figures.

 

The Government is once again under attack over policing and crime figures.

The latest criticism comes ahead of the Police Federation Conference where representatives will demand an increase in police numbers during the next three years.

The body representing rank and file police will press for a target of 140,000 by 2004 at its annual conference in Blackpool. This will be in addition to a demand for an increase of 4000 officers in the Metropolitan police force.

The rise would be over and above the Government's target of 128,000 by 2002, which the federation claims is insufficient to deliver the type of policing and results the public is entitled to.

The federation has produced research comparing New York and London crime figures before and after a change in the number of uniformed officers.

It found that after a 42 per cent rise in the number of New York Police Department officers, there was a 54 per cent reduction in offences.

In the Metropolitan Police, a 10.5 per cent reduction in numbers was accompanied by a 12 per cent increase in offences.

Police Federation chairman Fred Broughton said: "This exclusive research underlines our demand for a substantial increase in police numbers over and above what the Government is planning.

"It is not just about numbers. The police will expect leadership and support from chief officers and I will be calling for stronger leadership and absolute support from the next Government."

Home Secretary Jack Straw admitted that demands to increase police numbers by 10 per cent would not be met if Labour were re-elected.

He said that Labour would boost numbers to 130,000 by 2003.

"It can't be as many as the Police Federation want, but, of course, we would like that number. We are now turning those numbers around," said Mr Straw.

Shadow Home Secretary Ann Widdecombe said: "There is a fall of public confidence in the police through no fault of the police at all." She pledged to increase numbers to at least 127,000.

Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman Simon Hughes warned: "Three quarters of crimes are not cleared up in this country. There is not nearly enough support or money for the police."