In September 2001, the total police service strength in England and Wales was 127,231 full-time equivalent officers. This is the largest number since February 1995. The increase, 2.1 percent compared to a year earlier, is the largest in 20 years. This total includes 2,261 officers seconded to the National Crime Squad, National Crime Intelligence Service, central services, and inter-force units. In the 43 police forces in England and Wales, there were 124,969 officers available for ordinary duty on September 30, 2001. This was 1.2 percent more than on March 31, 2001 and 2.3 percent more than on September 30, 2000. Forces recruited 9,020 officers over the last 12 months, 69 percent more than the previous year and the most since 1979. The attrition rate remained static at less than 5 percent of strength, with 6,160 leaving during this period. Twenty-six percent of recruits were female. Almost all recruits were at the constable rank as appointments on probation. There were 3,134 minority ethnic officers, 2.5 percent of the total strength. This was a rise of 10 percent over the previous year. Thirty-eight forces increased their total officer strength in the 12 months to September 30, 2001. The largest in percentage terms were in North Yorkshire, North Wales and South Wales. On September 30, 2001 there were 56,644 full-time equivalent civilian staff employed in the 43 police force areas. Tables and figures