Written question asked by Lorna Fitzsimons (Labour) on Friday, 18 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 February 2005. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 February 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers in Rochdale there were (a) in 1997 and (b) the latest date for which figures are available. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Fitzsimons: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers in Rochdale there were (a) in 1997 and (b) the latest date for which figures are available. [217374] Ms Blears: Information on strength at Basic Command Unit (BCU) level is collected annually and reflects the position at the end of March. Information on BCU strength is only available from 2002. Between March 2002 and March 2004 full-time equivalent police officer numbers for the Rochdale Metropolitan Borough (P) Division increased by 12.5 per cent. (from 409 in March 2002 to 460 in March 2004). The deployment of officers to BCUs is a matter for the Chief Constable (Michael Todd QPM) and within the Rochdale Metropolitan Borough (P) Division deployment of officers is a matter for the Divisional Commander.

Secondary information