July 25

July 25, 2005: Police Numbers At New High

Police numbers have reached a record level of over 141,000. The number of police officers in England and Wales on 31 March 2005 totalled 141,230 (142,795 police officers, if staff on career breaks or maternity/paternity leave are included).

This is an increase of over 2000 (1.5%) since March 2004 and 14,072 (11%) more than in March 1997. (The number of police officers in England and Wales in March 1997 was 127,158.)

For the first time ever, all groups across the police service - Police Officers, Special Constables, Community Support Officers (CSOs) and Police Staff - have seen an increase in staff numbers.

The total number of police community support officers in the 43 police forces in England and Wales was 6,214 in March 2005.

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.

Home Office Minister Paul Goggins said:

"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."

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