PUBLIC ORDER
143
extent of the legality of their operation was doubtful. The general feeling was that these vehicles filled a real need in the pattern of public transport.
MANPOWER AND TRAINING
The strength of the regular police force (excluding women police) at the end of the year was: 144 gazetted officers, 965 junior officers, 10,138 non-commissioned officers and constables. There were 520 women police of all ranks.
The strength of the auxiliary police was 3,353 and there were 1,766 civilian staff employed in the force.
The teaching of English continued to receive much attention. The Third Intensive English course for specially selected constables began during the year although the course was reduced to five months instead of six and a few other modifications were made. The students on the first two courses made remarkable progress and a follow-up investigation showed that the majority were maintaining the high standard achieved during training. English was also taught during basic training and part-time classes were available for all those who wished to continue their studies.
The major change in general in-service training which took place in 1968, integration of internal security and general duties instruction, went through a period of evolution during early 1969 and then began to consolidate later in the year. The change was primarily one born of expediency but it turned out to be an effective compromise.
Whilst the broad object was still to build up to a tactical reserve of eight companies, it was clear at an early stage that these companies would rarely be wholly committed operationally. This being so, it was decided to put to good use the lengthy periods of reserve by using the companies for various forms of collective police action such as at race meetings, football matches, etc, in company exercises and in further training. While posted to the Police Tactical Unit which is the base of the tactical reserve of companies, every man undergoes further instruction, not merely in general duties, but in leadership, driving techniques, fieldcraft, outward bound train- ing, first aid, mountain-rescue, etc, all of which combine to