How many police officers have been redeployed to the beat since May 2007.

The day-to-day deployment ofpolice officers is a matter for individual chief constables, but we are supportingthem in their various initiatives to cut bureaucracy, exploit new technology andfree up officer time for redeployment to operational and front line duties.
For example, Central ScotlandPolice is pioneering a mixed economy model which aims to challenge existing workingpractices and drive forward modernisation across the force. Strathclyde Police Boardhas recently approved plans that will free up over 100 desk jobs currently beingcarried out by uniformed officers.
I have also asked the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland toconsider efficiencies that might be released from centralising police recruitmentand, as the member is aware, I continue to press the UK Government to change legislationto release police from the requirement to support VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) in carryingout roadside checks – something which they are not required to do in England andWales.
These are examples of the goodwork going on in all Scottish forces to support the government’s commitment to anadditional 1,000 officers in our communities.