ENG-1972 — Page 156

PUBLIC ORDER

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The fixed penalty system for parking offences, introduced in September 1971, is now well established. During the year, 533,438 tickets were issued of which 87 per cent were settled without court proceedings. Of the 35,715 cases which went to court, 34,989 were upheld and 155 dismissed. During the latter part of the year, there was a marked increase in the number of tickets issued, reflecting a lack of consideration by some motorists. Radar was used to detect speeding offences of which 9,187 were reported.

Four road safety campaigns were held, three organised by the police and one jointly sponsored by the police, Rediffusion and the Road Safety Association. Police Road Safety Officers continued to give advice to schoolchildren, to employees of business houses and other organisations. They also helped to train school safety patrols and school crossing patrols. Road safety publicity material was produced and advice given on radio, television and in the cinema.

Establishment

Force establishment at the close of the year totalled 14,816 all ranks, an in- crease of 1,056 over 1971. Strength (excluding women) was 11,588, made up of 186 gazetted officers, 988 inspectorate officers and 10,414 rank and file officers. The number of women serving with the force at December 31, was two gazetted officers, 40 inspectorate officers and 587 rank and file officers.

The number of civilian staff employed by the force rose by 259 to 2,207. During the year, the force lost the services of 801 men and women due to death, dismissal, retirement and resignation. The figure for the previous year was 1,123.

Recruitment

Recruitment of inspectors was satisfactory during the year; that of constables was well below the required level.

The number of inspectors, including women, joining the force was 71, of whom 31 were from overseas. The number of constables who joined was 845, of whom 105 were women. A total of 55 inspectors and 518 constables passed out from the Police Training School during 1972 compared with 67 and 926 respectively the previous year.

The extended interview scheme for local inspectorate applicants, introduced in April 1970, was attended by 106 candidates. The interview enables a recruiting officer to gain a more accurate assessment of an applicant's suitability. Potential inspectors attend a three-day course at the Police Training School, where they are tested on their maturity, decision making and leadership. Of those who attended these courses, 35 were taken on strength as probationary inspectors.

Besides training new recruits, the Police Training School also organises in- service courses for serving officers. These refresh their knowledge of police procedures and law, as well as develop their leadership, self-confidence and team work.

The school also held two police service courses for boys and girls aged between 14 and 20 as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Total attendance was 49.