AFO's and number of Police Officers minus AFO's - 2009 to 2020

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.22.025642

I note you seek access to the following information:

I request specific information regarding workforce data in your police force area.
For each year ending 31 March between 2009 and 2020 in your police force area:

1. What was the total number of Armed Fire Armed Officers (AFOs)?
2. What was the total number of police officers, excluding police staff and AFOs?

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - What was the total number of Armed Fire Armed Officers (AFOs)?

Number of Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs)
2021	2900
2020	2889
2019	2850
2018	2952
2017	2560
2016 (Nov)	2252
2015	2122
2014	2155
2013	2314
2012	2731

Q2 - What was the total number of police officers, excluding police staff and AFOs?

Number of Police Officers Excluding AFOs
March 2021	29631
March 2020	28856
March 2019	27128
March 2018	26972
March 2017	28489
March 2016	29468
March 2015	29822
March 2014	28557
March 2013	27921
March 2012	29397

It should be noted that the searches failed to locate the number of AFOs for 2009, 2010 and 2011. This information cannot accordingly be provided as it is not held by the MPS. Please also note that the term AFO refers to Authorised Firearms Officer within the MPS.