This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Police and support staff at record high
27/12/2006
The number of police officers in Scotland has hit a record high with the most recent figures showing 16,261 whole time equivalent police officers employed across Scotland's eight police forces on September 30 - an increase of 900 since March 2003.
In the same period the number of support staff has also hit 7,294 - an increase of 1,315 whole time staff.
The detailed figures show that:
- The number of police officers employed at March 31 in each of the years 2003 to 2006 was: 15, 361, 15,583, 16,001 and 16, 221. There was a further increase to 16,261 in September 2006
- The number of support staff employed at March 31 in each of those years was: 5,979, 6,128, 6,602, and 7,187, with a further increase to 7,294 in September this year
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said this increase in officers, alongside record investment in the service and new legislation to support officers in their daily duties, highlighted the Executive's commitment towards making Scotland's streets safer for the law abiding public.
"Crime in Scotland is falling - that's good news for the law-abiding public who want to feel safe in their homes and on the streets. Last year, there were 20,000 fewer crimes recorded by the police and there were 1,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime, which is now at its lowest level since devolution.
"This shows that our efforts to deliver record number of police officers - up 900 since 2003 - backed-up by more support staff, and record investment in the service of around £1.1 billion a year, is delivering real results in communities across Scotland.
"However, we are not complacent and know that we must continue to keep up the fight against crime, including ensuring the police have the right powers in place to do their job. The provisions in the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act which became law in the autumn are designed to do exactly that.
"These will help the police crackdown on football-related violence, knife crime, sex offenders, and drug-related offending. The Act also provides for an incentive scheme for new and existing Special Constables who agree to undertake a minimum number of duties in a 12 month period. This will help encourage more 'specials', who often have strong links with their local community, to sign up to the service and help regular officers in the efforts to prevent and tackle crime.
"Scotland can be rightly proud of its many dedicated police officers who are working hard to help us to continue to build on the reductions in crime we have seen in the past year. At this busy festive period, I want to thank all those officers for their continued work to protect the public and to wish them a safe and happy New Year."