HC Deb 22 October 2001 vol 373 cc70-1W
Mr. Bryant

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to meet the chief constable of south Wales police to discuss staffing of police stations in south Wales. [5145]

Mr. Denham

I have met the chief constable on a number of occasions mostly in his capacity as president of the Association of Chief Police Officers. We have discussed a range of issues including the resourcing of the police service.

It is for the chief constable to determine staffing levels at police stations in south Wales. He will assess local needs in line with operational priorities and the force policing plan and allocate available resources accordingly.

I am told by the chief constable that in September the force had 3,217 officers, which is a record number. Between March and September this year police numbers in the force increased by 117. The force also had 1,235 civilian support staff.