HC Deb 24 March 2003 vol 402 c22W
21. Chris Ruane

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police numbers. [104127]

Mr. Bob Ainsworth

By 31 March 2002 (the latest date available) there were 129,603 police-officers in England and Wales, a record number. There were also 58,909 civilian support staff in March 2002, also a record number.

We have set a target of 130,000 police officers by 31 March 2003. We are confident that the target will be exceeded. We have set a further target of 132,500 police officers in 2004.