02/10/2003
Blunkett claims 'record high' police numbers
Police numbers in England and Wales have reached a "record high" of 136,386, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced today.
The government claims that the represents the highest number since records began in 1921.
Police recruitment figures up to the end of August show an increase of 4,118 officers since December 2002, Mr Blunkett said. The aim of recruiting 132,500 officers in 2004 has been exceeded well ahead of the target date.
Mr Blunkett said the increasing numbers of officers and investment was "allowing more time to be spent on front line policing".
"It is vital that we make the best use of today's record number of police officers by continuing to take them out of the station and increase visibility, availability and accessibility," he added.
The government claims that it is also on track to meet the target of having 4,000 Community Support Officer's (CSOs) in post by 2005. There are currently 1,601 CSOs in place across Britain.
(gmcg)
The government claims that the represents the highest number since records began in 1921.
Police recruitment figures up to the end of August show an increase of 4,118 officers since December 2002, Mr Blunkett said. The aim of recruiting 132,500 officers in 2004 has been exceeded well ahead of the target date.
Mr Blunkett said the increasing numbers of officers and investment was "allowing more time to be spent on front line policing".
"It is vital that we make the best use of today's record number of police officers by continuing to take them out of the station and increase visibility, availability and accessibility," he added.
The government claims that it is also on track to meet the target of having 4,000 Community Support Officer's (CSOs) in post by 2005. There are currently 1,601 CSOs in place across Britain.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 May 2006
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
Survey reveals threat faced by police
Around 7,000 police officers have been threatened with a gun and 40,000 police officers have been threatened with a knife while on duty in the past two years, a survey has revealed.
26 April 2005
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
Queen unveils National Police Memorial
The Queen has unveiled a National Police Memorial in tribute to British police officers killed in the line of duty. The £2.3 million project includes a large black wall with a glass cabinet displaying a book which names 1,600 police officers who have died in the line of duty.
12 November 2014
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
05 October 2006
Review launched following Israeli embassy police row
Metropolitan Police chief Sir Ian Blair has ordered an inquiry after a Muslim police officer was excused from guarding the Israeli embassy in London.
Review launched following Israeli embassy police row
Metropolitan Police chief Sir Ian Blair has ordered an inquiry after a Muslim police officer was excused from guarding the Israeli embassy in London.
01 October 2004
International police force 'must' be sent to Darfur
An international police presence is needed in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to ensure its vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protected, two senior United Nations human rights officials told the Security Council today.
International police force 'must' be sent to Darfur
An international police presence is needed in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to ensure its vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protected, two senior United Nations human rights officials told the Security Council today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.