Police Service of Northern Ireland

HL Deb 04 November 2003 vol 654 c83WA

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the current establishment figure for the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and how that compares with the proposed figure for 2003. [HL4669]

Baroness Amos

The Independent Commission on Policing recommended a regular force of about 7,500 officers, with a proposed figure of just over 7,100 in 2003. The actual strength of the PSNI at 30 September 2003 was 7,291 regular officers, including 256 trainees. It is anticipated that the regular strength, including trainees, will reach 7,450 by the end of March 2004. It is also worth bearing in mind that the Chief Constable retains the support of the full-time reserve, currently numbering 1,701 officers.