The report discusses the effects of the Lord Edmund-Davies Committee of Inquiry into police pay. The resulting introduction of the new pay scales has brought an immediate increase in the number of recruits entering the service and has reduced the flow of resignations. The report also discusses difficulties facing the department because of many inexperienced police officers and department efforts to make better use of existing resources such as greater use of civilian assistance to do paperwork. This is especially important, according to the report, since the great increases in serious crime makes very heavy demands on manpower. The report also calls for vigorous efforts to enlist the aid of volunteers. In addition, the information supplied by chief constables about breath tests and drug searches is examined. The results indicate that in a high proportion of cases the drivers breathalysed have been drinking, and a high proportion of those searched have been carrying drugs. The awards given during the year are listed. Statistical data are provided. (Author abstract modified)