Written question asked by Boris Johnson (Conservative) on Monday, 17 December 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 January 2008. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 January 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police: Training

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the maximum number of new police officers is that can be trained by each English police force in 2007-08.

Answer: It is currently estimated that a total of 5,455 new recruits will undertake police officer training in England between 2007 and 2008. The Metropolitan Police Service also plans to recruit 1,072 additional police officers during the same period, although this figure is variable. Such estimates are dependent on a number of factors based on funding, the number of applicants meeting the strict selection criteria and the capacity of forces to recruit and develop individuals.

Secondary information