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New police officers
25/04/2008
The first 52 of the 150 additional police officers to be recruited by the Government in the 2007-08 financial year have completed their training.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today attended a passing out parade at Tulliallan police college, which included the 52 additional officers.
Mr MacAskill said:
"From the outset, this Government has been committed to delivering a more visible policing presence on our streets and in our communities.
"The directly funded recruitment of 1,000 additional officers is central to meeting that commitment. Hand in hand with this, we are working with chief constables and police boards to improve the retention of officers and support the redeployment of officers to enhance operational policing.
"We believe that people feel safer from crime if they see and experience effective frontline policing and communities are stronger with an accessible police presence to deal with all sorts of everyday emergencies. A visible police presence reassures communities and deters criminals.
"The first of the additional officers passing out of Tulliallan today are positive proof that this Government is meeting its commitment.
"They reinforce the message that we are determined to see more police officers becoming part of the fabric of the communities they serve - building local knowledge, forging strong relationships with families and businesses and helping support safe, strong communities for all."
Finance Secretary John Swinney announced on January 23 that an extra £40 million would be made available over the next three years for policing. This is in addition to the £54 million which was announced in November. This will result in the recruitment of 1,000 additional officers by 2010-11.
In addition to the 150 additional recruits which have been recruited in 2007-08, a further 450 additional officers will be recruited by the end of this financial year, 200 additional officers in 2009-10 and 200 in 2010-11. This will bring the total number of additional recruits to 1,000 over the life of this Parliament.