HC Deb 07 June 1984 vol 61 c212W
Sir David Price

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that the present strength of the police forces in England and Wales is sufficient to deal with extra demands upon their services of a substantial and sustained character without prejudice to the fulfilment of their normal duties.

Mr. Hurd

Chief officers are expected to deploy manpower flexibly to meet changing priorities in day-to-day policing. Substantial additional demands are met by overtime and rest-day working and greater use of the Special Constabulary and sometimes by help fro other forces. Although some forces are better placed than others to meet major increases in their work load, we are satisfied with the overall strength of the police service in England and Wales, which was 121,122 on 30 April 1984.