Written question asked by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 July 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 November 2001. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Friday, 2 November 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on plans to change the status of plain clothed police officers to uniformed officers; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Miss Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on plans to change the status of plain-clothed police officers to uniformed officers; and if he will make a statement. [5786] Mr. Denham: We want to enhance the visibility of the police in a common-sense way as part of our programme for police reform. This means that, on some occasions, officers will be in plain clothes and, on others, in uniform. The decision on how this should be applied rests with local management. Officers in uniform and in plain clothes are equally important and valued in their different roles: uniformed duties should not be regarded as of lesser status.

Secondary information