§ Mr. Garrettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the authorised establishment of the Northumbrian police as at 31 March; how many officers there were actually in post; to what he ascribes the deficiency; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe authorised establishment of the Northumbrian police is 3,378, an increase of 53 since May 1979. The strength of the force was 3,295 on 31 March 1985. Police manpower levels fluctuate from month to month because of different recruiting and wastage patterns, seasonal changes and other local reasons. I understand that there was further recruitment to the Northumbrian police in April 1985, and the present strength is 3,314. The number of full-time civilian staff in the force has increased by 211 to 931 since May 1979, including an increase of 81 in the last year.