Police Information

INCREASE IN POLICE NUMBERS

Sun, May 20, 2001

Source:

LARGEST INCREASE IN POLICE NUMBERS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE

Home Secretary Jack Straw, following substantial investment through the Government’s Crime Fighting Fund, announced the largest increase in police numbers for more than a decade.

This rise is also reflected with the highest recorded numbers of civilian support staff, freeing up front-line officers to spend more time on operational duties.

Interim figures published today show police numbers increased by 1,367 officers since the start of the three-year Crime Fighting Fund last April, taking total police numbers for January 2001 to 125,537.

Police numbers rose by 377 between 1 April and 30 September 2000 and by a further 990 between 1 October 2000 and 31 January 2001, making a total of 1,367. This rise in ten months is the largest single increase in police numbers during one whole financial year since 1988/89.

The Crime Fighting Fund, announced in September 1999, provides the funding for 9000 police recruits over and above the numbers forces had otherwise planned to recruit over the three years 2000/01 to 2002/3.

On the basis of forces' projections it is expected that police numbers will reach 126,000 by March 2001, 128,000 by March 2002 and record numbers by March 2003.

Police numbers are 1,621 less than they were in March 1997 when the total was 127,158. This compares with a total of 124,170 in March 2000; 124,547 in September 2000 and 125,537 in January 2001 and a projected total of 126,000 in March 2001.

Civilian support staff numbers are also increasing. There were 54,598 on 31 January. Since March 1997 the number of civilian support staff has increased by 1,587 (an increase of 3%).

Combined police officer and civilian numbers take the total police service strength in England and Wales on 31 January 2001 to 180,135. This compares with a total police service strength (including civilians) of 180,169 in March 1997.

Mr Straw said:  

"I am pleased that the investment provided by the Crime Fighting Fund is already having a significant impact on overall police numbers. In just 10 months of the first year of this plan numbers have increased by the largest amount for more than a decade.

"On the basis of forces' projections we expect police numbers to reach 126,000 by March 2001, 128,000 by March 2002 and record numbers by March 2003.

"The substantial investment we are putting into the police service is now delivering the results we pledged when the Crime Fighting Fund was first announced in September 1999. Record numbers of civilian support staff also mean more officers are available for front-line policing. 

"Police numbers are very important, but an effective modern police service is about far more than numbers alone, it is about improved technology, increased efficiency and performance and partnerships.

"To maintain our police force we are also dependent on quality applicants coming forward. Today's figures show this is happening."

 

The national rise in police numbers since September 2000 is mirrored locally with every region in England and Wales seeing an increase in police officer strength.

Of the 43 police forces in England and Wales, 32 (74%) have increased their police numbers since September 2000. Numbers fell slightly in 11 forces, with the combined reduction totalling 114.

Numbers of officers in the Metropolitan Police Service increased between September 2000 and January 2001 by 166 to 24,861. This is the first significant increase in Metropolitan Police numbers for more than 10 years.