Police Service of Northern Ireland

HL Deb 06 March 2002 vol 632 cc25-8WA

Lord Kilcooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the total number of officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland: and how many of these are full time members of the Police Reserves. [HL2892]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

There are currently 10,236 officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (including Part-Time Reserve) of whom 2,205 are members of the Full-Time Reserve.

Lord Kilcooney

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in reducing the number of officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland to 7,500. [HL2893]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

1,078 Regular officers and 137 Full-Time Reserve officers have left the Police Service of Northern Ireland so far under the terms of the Voluntary Severance Scheme. Current Regular strength is 7,091 officers (including 87 regular officers currently on secondment) which represents a temporary dip under the figure of 7,500 recommended by Patten. However, the Chief Constable retains the support of the Full-Time Reserve. In addition, over 200 trainees have been recruited, many of whom are in the final stages of initial training.