HC Deb 08 July 2002 vol 388 cc731-2W
13. Mr. Amess

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police morale. [64758]

Mr. Denham

We have turned around the decline in police numbers that started under the last Government. By 31 January this year there were 4,578 more police officers than in March 2000 and police strength was at a record number. We are on course for our target of 130,000 officers by spring 2003.

We are committed to reducing the burden of unnecessary bureaucracy. We are developing a new occupational health strategy for the police service and we have provided a one-third increase in capital investment this year, which will allow improvements in the conditions in which officers work and the technology that they use.

We have reached agreement on a package of reforms to police pay and conditions of service that is good for the service, for rank and file officers and for the public.

We will ensure that officers know and feel that they are valued.

17. Mr. Francois

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police morale. [64763]

Mr. Denham

We have turned around the decline in police numbers that started under the last Government. By 31 January this year there were 4,578 more police officers than in March 2000 and police strength was at a record number. We are on course for our target of 130,000 officers by spring 2003.

We are committed to reducing the burden of unnecessary bureaucracy. We are developing a new occupational health strategy for the police service and we have provided a one-third increase in capital investment this year, which will allow improvements in the conditions in which officers work and the technology that they use.

We have reached agreement on a package of reforms to police pay and conditions of service that is good for the service, for rank and file officers and for the public.

We will ensure that officers know and feel that they are valued.