Police target maintained

The number of additional police officers in Scotland continues to be higher than 1,000, figures have revealed today.

The latest quarterly strength statistics show that there were 17,267 police officers on 30 September 2014, an increase of 6.4 per cent or 1,033 officers since March 31, 2007.

Commenting on the publication, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:

“Recorded crime is at a 39 year low, while this Government is continuing to deliver on our commitment to put 1,000 additional police officers in communities. We have met this commitment in every quarter since 2011.

“We have always said that police numbers will fluctuate and this publication shows we are continuing to exceed the target while keeping costs down. Alongside Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority, we are strongly committed to delivering 1,000 additional officers.

“This is in direct contrast to the picture in England and Wales where police numbers have fallen to their lowest level in since 2001 and are expected to drop by more than 15,000 in total.”