§ John CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the duties performed by police support staff; and if he will make a statement on their effectiveness in supporting the work of the Metropolitan Police. [157331]
§ Ms BlearsPolice staff perform a valuable role in the policing of London. The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis informs me that as of the end of December 2003, there were 543 Traffic wardens, 1,157 community support officers and 11,772 other police staff working for the Metropolitan Police Service. They have a wide range of duties, with many of them in direct support of operational policing.