§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current actual strength of the police in England and Wales; what is the current average annual inclusive cost per officer; how many detective officers and uniformed officers there are; and how many police officers are engaged full-time on crime prevention advice duties.
§ Mr. MayhewOn 31 December 1980 the total strength of the police service in England and Wales was 117,423. There were just over 14,500 officers in force criminal investigation departments, as well as a number of officers whose work provides support for the CID and 838 officers attached to regional crime squads. There were 550 officers and a number of civilians deployed on duties in crime prevention departments; in some forces these duties are undertaken by other departments.
The total cost of the police service in the financial year 1979–80, divided by the average total strength over the year, produces an average annual inclusive cost of £13,250 per officer.