To ask the Scottish Executive whether there is an intention to increase the number of civilians working in the police force in the future.

The recruitment, direction and monitoring of civilian support staff in Scottish police forces is a matter for chief constables. There are presently 4,725 civilian support staff employed by the eight forces. This is a 36% increase since 1992 and support staff now represent 24% of police service personnel. The Scottish Executive supports all initiatives which enable police officers to be released for front line policing duties.