HC Deb 04 February 2002 vol 379 cc663-5W
30. Dr. Pugh

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his policy to improve the retention of police officers. [29878]

Mr. Denham

Police numbers rose by 2.1 per cent. in the 12 months to September 2001. Wastage from the police service, at around 5 per cent. of strength for the last four years, is low compared to other occupations.

But we recognise the importance of retaining the skills and commitment of experienced officers.

An ambitious programme of work in police training has begun to raise professional standards for officers and support staff, and to achieve greater consistency nationally.

We are also addressing retention issues as part of the police reform process.

The Police Negotiating Board (PNB) has agreed in principle to a package of reforms to police pay and conditions of service. The agreement is subject to ratification by all parties by the end of February. We believe that, taking the package as a whole, it will benefit the vast majority of officers.

The PNB package includes more flexible arrangements to retain officers who are entitled to retire with maximum pension benefits.

We also intend to remove the requirement for part-time officers to work a minimum of 16 hours a week. This will help improve retention of officers with parental or caring responsibilities.

We are also developing an Occupational Health strategy which will provide support of officers who are injured or ill and will help forces improve sickness management and reduce medical retirements.