§ 5. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of Leicester concerning the number of part-time, of civilian and of retired persons used in the city of Leicester to relieve full-time uniformed police officers of routine and clerical duties.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Richard Sharples)I understand from the Chief Constable that at the end of February 84 traffic wardens, 63 full-time civilians (excluding cadets) and 13 part-time civilians were employed in helping the police in the three police divisions which cover the city of Leicester. In addition, 114 full-time and five part-time civilians were employed at force headquarters; 10 of these were retired police officers.
§ Mr. Greville JannerIs the Minister aware that in spite of the excellent use of civilians within the Leicester force, the force is still considerably under its established strength? Both for Leicester and elsewhere, will he consider whether more use cannot be made of retired, part-time and civilian people so as to relieve full-time officers of routine and clerical duties?
§ Mr. SharplesYes, Sir. The police are encouraged to use civilians wherever possible. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that there are limits to that and that there are duties which cannot be undertaken other than by police officers themselves.