Number of police officers static

Last updated at 15:54 26 July 2006


The number of police officers in England and Wales remained virtually static over the last year, new Home Office figures showed today.

The figure rose by 151 to a new high of 141,381, an increase of 0.2 per cent.

In the same period the number of community support officers - the civilian wardens opposed by some sections of the police - rose by 500, or 9 per cent, to 6,769.

Ethnic recruitment

The number of black and Asian officers increased by 280 to 5,297 over the 12 month period, or 3.7 per cent of total police strength.

Earlier this year it emerged that a target to recruit 7 per cent of all police from ethnic minorities by 2009 had been dropped because it was unrealistic.

Senior officers binned the 7 per cent figure and replaced it with a target based on ensuring that new recruits reflect the racial make-up of each force.

Highest levels

Home Office minister Tony McNulty said: "Police numbers remain at their highest levels.

"We are committed to enabling the service to maintain historically high numbers of officers."

He added: "It is excellent news that police officer numbers continue to rise.

"However, the way in which policing is delivered is just as important.

"That's why we are placing more focus on how police are deployed alongside other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, as well as how they work together with the wider police family to reduce crime and fear of crime in our communities."

The total number of full-time equivalent police officers at the end of March was 143,279, including those on career breaks or parental leave.

Women officers

Of this higher total 22 per cent were women.

In all, 21 forces out of 43 recorded a slight fall in the number of officers, mostly less than 1 per cent.

North Wales saw the largest decline in officer numbers - 2.4 per cent.

North Yorkshire saw the largest increase of 5.5 per cent, followed by Devon and Cornwall with 4.1 per cent.

The Home Office aims to recruit 16,000 CSOs by next April with the help of an extra £91 million from the Chancellor in this financial year.

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