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Rise in number of police officers
02/03/2010
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill today welcomed figures showing that at December 31, 2009 there were 17,273 police officers in Scotland - 1,039 more than March 2007.
This represents an increase of 56 police officers during the past quarter and 598 officers in the past year. The increase means that the Scottish Government's pledge to deliver 1,000 additional officers continues to be delivered.
Mr MacAskill said:
"The Scottish Government pledged to deliver a more visible police presence in our communities which is why we are committed to increasing the number of police officers by 1,000 by the end of this Parliament.
"We have surpassed the 1,000 extra officers and the continued rising trend is the result of the Scottish Government's commitment to funding the recruitment training and salaries of additional officers, over and above the plans of our police forces.
"I wish to congratulate our Chief Constables for redeploying officers and delivering more police on our streets. The Scottish Police College is also vital in delivering this record number of trainees during the past year and its excellent work has ensured new police recruits have the skills and training to serve as excellent as officers in Scotland's police service."
By the end of the financial year 2009-2010 the Scottish Government will have funded an extra 800 police officers and during 2010-11 we will fund a further 200 police officers.
The Scottish Government have provided record levels of funding for police services and the levels of recorded crime are at a near 30-year low.
Police Grant paid directly to Police Authorities from the Scottish Government will increase by 3.1 per cent in 2010-11. From 2010-11 the Scottish Government will take on the responsibility for funding the full costs of police pensions.