§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many special constables there were in (i) Sussex police and (ii) nationally in(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998, (d) 1999 and (e) 2000. [11805]
§ Mr. Denham[holding answer 6 November 2001]: The number of serving special constables in England and Wales and the number of specials serving in Sussex police from 30 September 1997 to 30 September 2000 are set out in the table:
Year Total strength1 Strength in Sussex 1997 19,163 465 1998 17,296 415 1999 15,727 377 2000 13,487 317 1 England and Wales Note:
Figures provided by Research Statistics and Development
The Government are committed to increasing the special constabulary and we are looking at radical improvements in their management, welfare and deployment as part of the police reform process.