New data published today identifies the “front line” in each police force and opens their books so the public can see how police resources are deployed in their area in comparison with other forces.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Mr. Roger Baker, said, “The debate about protecting the front line has been frustrated by the absence of a definition. In this report we propose a working definition based on what the public view as the police front line.

“Not every person in a front line police role will be visible or available to the public. They may be at work but not in uniform or off-shift. However, the public are interested in seeing the police in their community and so, alongside figures for the front line, HMIC is publishing comparative data on the proportion of officers and PCSOs that are visible and available at key times.”

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