§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers have retired from the West Mercia constabulary in the last 12 months for which figures are available; [113163]
(2) how many police officers have been recruited in the West Mercia area in the last 12 months for which figures are available; [113164]
(3) how many (a) police officers and (b) civilian staff there are in (i) England and (ii) West Mercia constabulary on the latest date for which figures are available. [113162]
§ Mr. Bob AinsworthInformation on police personnel in England and West Mercia constabulary is set out in the table.650W
England West Mercia Police officer strength1 122,374 2,048 Civilian support staff strength2 54,913 1,116 Special constabulary strength2 10,897 339 1 Latest available published police officer strength is for 30 September 2002. 2 Latest available civilian and special constable strength is for 31 March 2002. In the 12 months to 31 March 2002 147 officers were recruited to West Mercia constabulary and 117 West Mercia officers left the police service. The number of officers who left included ordinary and medical retirements, resignations, dismissals and deaths in service.