Massive Increase In Number of Police Officers On TV

Home Secretary Announces Massive Increase In Number of Police Officers On Television

New government statistics show that the number of police officers on Britain's
television screens is at an all time high. The figures, announced by the home
secretary David Blunkett, show a marked increase from the previous year.

The government report states that there are now 53 serving police officers on
UK television. Blunkett said he hopes the number will exceed 100 by 2004.

The troubled areas of Albert Square and Coronation Street are both to receive
extra officers to combat a rapid growth in illegal activity of all types, he
announced.

The home secretary also praised British television's police service for their
exceptional clear-up rate, which remains at 100% for the third year running.

The Conservative Party attacked the figures, claiming that the government
inflated the total number by including shows on cable television and
non-professional, private detectives such as Jonathan Creek. But Blunkett
responded to the latter accusation by saying that such shows were still part
of the same genre and should therefore be included in any final tally.