Police numbers in Scotland reach an all-time high

Police numbers in Scotland have reached an all-time high, as new police officer quarterly strength statistics are released today.

The figures show that there are now 17,454 Full Time Equivalent police officers in Scotland, compared to 16,234 when the SNP first took office. This figure is higher than any previous recorded and every force area in Scotland has seen an increase on the number of police officers in place in May 2007.

Dumfries and Galloway has seen police numbers increase 3.2% with current figures at 513, up from 497 in the first quarter of 2007.

Separate statistics released today also show that there has been a sharp reduction in the number of offences involving a firearm in the last year. In 2011/12 there were 514 offences involving a firearm, a 21% reduction on the previous year’s figure of 647 and the lowest level for 34 years.

Commenting, South of Scotland SNP MSP Joan McAlpine said:

“Dumfries and Galloway is one of the safest places in Scotland to live, this is down to the incredible efforts that police go to in order to protect us.

“The figures showing police numbers at a new high and firearm offences at a 34 year low are very welcome.

“Crime is at a 37 year low in Scotland. Thanks to the Scottish Government’s approach to police numbers, our communities are safer than ever before.

“The SNP government’s determination to maintain the additional police officers that have been recruited since 2007 has been paramount and is in stark contrast to south of the border, where, police numbers are being slashed by 16,000 over the current spending review period.

“I remember when Labour claimed that it would take the SNP 13 years to deliver our commitment to recruit 1,000 additional police officers; however, it took us a little over two. Then, Labour claimed the pledge was not sustainable, but here we are today with more serving police officers in Scotland than ever before.”