§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current annual inclusive cost of a police officer in the Metropolitan Police area; what the projected cost of employing a further 5,000 would be at current prices; and what the impact would be on the Metropolitan Police precept.
§ Mr. WhitelawThe estimated total net cost of the Metropolitan Police for the financial year 1981–82 divided by the estimated average total strength—all ranks—over the year, produces an annual inclusive cost of £23,260 per officer.
In terms of pay and allowances, the annual cost of a police constable with less than one year's service in the Metropolitan Police is about £10,000. On this basis, the cost of employing a further 5,000 officers would be £50 million and the consequent increase in the Metropolitan Police precept 1.4p. To these costs would have to be added an element to cover overheads including accommodation and support. This cannot be accurately assessed without knowing such facts as the rate of recruitment and method of deployment of the additional personnel.