Police numbers have reached a record level of more than 141,000, the Government has hailed.
The Home Office reports new figures show that police officer numbers are up by more than 2,000 since March 2004 to 141,230.
The number of Special Constables has increased by nearly 1,000 since March 2004 to 11,918 – the first annual increase in Specials since 1992, the Home Office claims. Community Support Officer numbers also grew by nearly 2,800 to 6,214 and Police Staff are up by nearly 3,300 to 70,869.
Minister Paul Goggins said: "By 2008 every area will benefit from dedicated, visible, accessible and responsive neighbourhood policing teams. Led by police officers, these teams will also include community support officers and special constables, and will provide a more modern, efficient and effective service to local communities."
