ENG-1970 — Page 183

140

PUBLIC ORDER

would lessen the burden on both court staff and police in relation to the prosecution of offenders for minor traffic violations, and would enable such offences to be dealt with more speedily.

Traffic patrol cars were first introduced in December 1968. These are saloon cars painted white with blue doors bearing the police crest and manned by officers who have passed an Institute of Advanced Motorists Standard Driving Examination conducted by qualified Police Driving Instructors. The main aim of these patrol cars is to set an example of good, courteous and safe driving for other motorists to follow. The crew of the car is required to correct faults of other motorists, point out minor breaches of the traffic regulations and to take action in relation to more serious breaches of the law.

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MANPOWER AND TRAINING

The strength of the regular police force (excluding women police) at the end of the year was: 160 gazetted officers, 932 junior officers, 9,978 non-commissioned officers and constables. There were 507 women police of all ranks.

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The strength of the auxiliary police was 3,102 and there were 1,760 civilian staff employed in the force.

Recruitment of rank and file was maintained at a satisfactory level but some difficulties were experienced in recruitment to the inspectorate. During the year a total of 87 officers and 1,288 constables were accepted for training, and 78 officers and 851 constables completed their training and were posted to police formations to commence duty.

To assist in the successful recruitment of local inspectorate officers, a three-day extended interview programme was introduced in April 1970. The purpose of this scheme is to enable selection staff to make a more accurate assessment respecting the suitability of potential recruits who, prior to final selection, must attend a three-day non-residential course at the Police Training School. The advanced training scheme combining general and internal security training at company level and the NCO selection courses continued successfully during the year.