§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what progress was made by the Sussex Constabulary in the recruitment of more police officers from ethnic minorities in the last year for which figures are available; [53439]
(2) what progress was made by the Sussex Constabulary in the recruitment of more women constables in the last year for which figures are available. [53438]
§ Mr. MichaelIn 1997, Sussex Police recruited 39 female officers and 2 officers from ethnic minorities (the information is given in the table). The Chief Constable tells me that the Sussex Police Force is aware of the under-representation in the force of female and402W ethnic minority officers, and is exploring means of removing any barriers to recruitment. Vacancies will be published in local and national ethnic newspapers.
Number of female and ethnic minority recruits to Sussex Police in 1997 and 1998 (to date) Start of 1997 End of 1997 1998 (to date) Force establishment 3,109 3,056 3,060 Female officers 464 484 504 Female recruits — 39 144 Ethnic minority officers 21 23 23 Ethnic minority recruits — 2 2 1 28 female candidates still being processed