§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crime prevention officers 347W were employed by each police force in England and Wales in each of the years 1980 to 1985; and if he will make a statement on the Government's policy as to crime prevention officers.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe full information request for each force is not readily available centrally. I understand, however, that there are some 650 crime prevention officers in police forces in England and Wales. It is for individual chief officers of police to decide on the disposition of their manpower resources but the Government believe that crime prevention officers have a vital role in stimulating preventive activity within the community.