Resignations of police nearly treble since 1997

Police resignations have nearly trebled since 1997, it is revealed today.

New figures show a surge in the number of officers quitting the job. More than 2,000 police left their forces last year - a rise of 168 per cent since 1997.

The Conservatives, who obtained the figures, claimed the increase was evidence of plummeting morale in the police force. The party blames paperwork - arguing that officers are becoming increasingly disillusioned about time wasted filling in forms.

Resignations from the police force have risen from 774 in 1996-1997 to 2,076 in 2003-2004.

Between 1997 and 2004, 552 officers quit the Metropolitan Police, and a further 12 left the City of London police force.

Labour says police numbers are at an all-time high, despite the number of officers quitting.