§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards police co-operation with vigilante groups in areas where there is a shortage of police on the beat.
§ Mr. Douglas Hogg[holding answer 14 November 1988]: At the end of August, police strength stood at 124,426, an increase of 12,933 since 1979. My right hon. Friend recently announced that police establishments would be increased by a further 1,100 posts in 1989–90. These increases, together with the civilianisation programmes which all forces are pursuing, mean that the number of police officers available for beat duties has been substantially increased since 1979.
The ultimate responsibility for maintaining law and order rests with the police. We welcome the growing support of members of the public to local crime prevention initiatives, such as neighbourhood watch or the special constabulary, but groups which seek to take over the role of the police, for example by patrolling the streets, are not acceptable.