Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris has today welcomed the publication of statistics which show that there are now a record 17,048 police officers in Scotland, 814 more than when the SNP entered Government in 2007.

When the SNP came to Government there were 7822 Police Officers in Strathclyde (Q1 2007), now that figure stands at 8204 (Q1 2009), an increase of 382 in Strathclyde alone.

Mr Doris said: "The Scottish Government is making our communities safer by delivering extra police officers in the Strathclyde force area. With an extra 382 officers in Strathclyde, people are noticing the visible police presence like never before.

"We promised more Bobbies on the Beat in our manifesto of 2007 and we have achieved that. Our commitment to have an extra 1000 officers by March 2011 is almost met already.

"Glasgow citizens can be assured that the SNP is working hard to reclaim our streets and to tackle crime head on."