§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers from the Metropolitan police left the service in the last 12 months; and what were the reasons given for leaving. [129507]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeFigures provided by the Metropolitan police show that in the 12 months from April 1999 to March 2000, 1,504 people ceased to serve as Metropolitan police officers. This equates to a turnover rate of 5.66 per cent.
Out of the total 554 officers retired on ordinary police pensions, 361 resigned, 285 were medically retired and 243 transferred to other forces. A further 61 officers left for other reasons, including dismissal and death in service.
I understand that concerns about quality of life and the costs associated with living in London have been reasons historically given by those resigning and transferring to other forces for their decisions. A new exit poll introduced by the Metropolitan police in April 2000 will give more detailed information for future years.