Cop numbers on the rise

Mar 11 2010 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

THE number of cops patrolling the streets of Renfrewshire has soared.

The latest figures show a record number of 17,273 police officers are employed in Scotland following a record amount of funding from the Scottish Government for the recruitment, training and salaries of additional officers.

The rise means there are now 1,039 more police officeRs in operation across the country than in March 2007, two months before the SNP came to power.

And half of that number are employed by Strathclyde Police, who cover Renfrewshire.

SNP West of Scotland MSP Stewart Maxwell – who constituency office is based in Paisley – welcomed the newsand said: “There has been an increase of over 500 police officers in Strathclyde since the SNP came to power in 2007.

“This means a more visible police presence out on the streets and communities of Paisley and the West of Scotland.

“With record numbers of police officers tackling crime and serving our communities, the Scottish Government is working hard alongside our Police to make Scotland a safer and better place to live.

“Crime rates in Scotland are at their lowest level for 30 years though there remains much to be done to reduce crime further and improve public safety.

“The SNP Government is committed to tackling the booze and blade culture that still blights far too many communities in this country.”