HC Deb 11 July 1978 vol 953 c492W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what basis the police generally and in the Metropolitan area fix their establishment numbers; and whether account is taken of innovations which may save police manpower such as computers, cars and other vehicles, two-way radios, and other electronic aids, together with civilian manpower in offices and on road duties such as traffic wardens.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The criteria on which reviews of force establishments are based include the nature, extent and population of the area, the incidence of crime, traffic density, and any special problems. Changes in policing methods arising from the use of modern equipment, and from the allocation of some types of work to civilians and traffic wardens, are also taken into account.