WIREDGOV

Commitment continues to be exceeded with over 1,000 extra officers.

The number of additional police officers in Scotland is being maintained at more than 1,000 compared to 2007, figures have revealed today.

The latest quarterly strength statistics show that there were 17,295 police officers on 31 March 2015, an increase of 6.5% per cent or 1,061 officers since March 31, 2007.

Commenting on the publication, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said:

“Recorded crime is at a 40 year low, with violent crime down 10 per cent and crimes of handling an offensive weapon (including knives) reduced by 62 per cent since 2006-07.

“These strong statistics are backed by over 1,000 extra police officers that this Government has delivered compared to 2007, protecting the public and keeping communities safe.

“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.

“In England and Wales police numbers have fallen to their lowest level in since 2001 and are expected to drop even further, by more than 15,000 in total.”