Public spending on the police service in the United Kingdom rose to 27.3 billion British pounds in 2023/24, the highest amount spent during the provided time period. Between 2009/10 and 2013/14 the amount of public money spent on the police fell from 19.3 billion pounds to just 16.35 billion pounds, due to the austerity policies followed by the UK government at the time.

In 2024/25 the amount budgeted for police services in London was approximately 4.8 billion British pounds. As can be seen, the budget for London's police decreased by 340 million GBP from 3.62 billion GBP in 2012/13 to 3.28 billion GBP in 2013/14. It remained around this figure in 2017/18, but increased slightly to 3.33 billion in 2018/19, and more substantially in 2019/20 to 3.66 billion British pounds.

This statistic shows police service expenditure on immigration and citizenship in the United Kingdom from 2009/10 to 2018/19. Over this period, expenditure on immigration and citizenship declined by over 1.3 billion British pounds, falling to 834 million British pounds in 2018/19.

London's Metropolitan Police is by far the largest police force in the United Kingdom with 34,315 officers in 2024. At 16,356 officers, the Scottish police force has the second-largest force in terms of officer numbers, followed by Greater Manchester police force, which had 8,141 officers that year. Although the Metropolitan Police are responsible for policing most of Greater London, the City of London Police force covers the historic center of London, which is around one square mile in size, and numbered 995 officers in 2024. Crime in the UK In 2022/23 there were approximately 6.74 million crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales, the highest number of crimes recorded in a reporting year between 2003 and 2023. Although crime declined from the mid-2000s to the mid-2010s there has been a noticeable increase in crimes from 2014/15 onwards. In terms of the crime rate, England and Wales had the highest in the United Kingdom, at 93.6 offences per one thousand people, compared with 52.8 in Scotland, and 58.4 in Northern Ireland. Cuts to policing reversed in recent years Between 2010 and 2017 the number of police officers in the UK fell from 172,000 officers to just 150,000. During this same period, the London Metropolitan Police saw officer numbers decline by around 2,000 officers. The fall in police personnel was a result of UK-wide funding cuts, during this time period, with police expenditure falling from 19.3 billion in 2009/10 to 16.35 billion by 2013/14. This policy has since been reversed, and the current UK government is seeking to recruit more officers and generally spend more on the police service. As of 2023, there were 171 police officers in the UK, and government expenditure on the police service was 25.3 billion British pounds.

United Kingdom UK: Military Expenditure as % of General Government Expenditure data was reported at 4.658 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.676 % for 2016. United Kingdom UK: Military Expenditure as % of General Government Expenditure data is updated yearly, averaging 6.272 % from Dec 1988 (Median) to 2017, with 30 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.176 % in 1988 and a record low of 4.658 % in 2017. United Kingdom UK: Military Expenditure as % of General Government Expenditure data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.World Bank.WDI: Defense and Official Development Assistance. Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.); ; Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Yearbook: Armaments, Disarmament and International Security.; Weighted average; Data for some countries are based on partial or uncertain data or rough estimates.

The Home Office is publishing a series of consistent police revenue funding numbers from 1995/96-2009/10. This allows comparison of funding levels over time.

In 2023, around 60 percent of spending on the various police forces went to the military police. That year, 47 billion Brazilian reais were invested in the military police.

There were 252,545 violent crime offences recorded by the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police Forces in London in 2023/24 an increase when compared with the previous reporting year. From a low of 186,488 violent crimes in 2015/16, violent crime has increased in almost every year. This reflects a pattern of increasing violent crime replicated across England and Wales as a whole, with a peak of 2.1 million offences reported in 2022/23. Overall offences also rising The overall crime figures for London also show a trend of increasing crime in the UK capital. In 2015/16 for example, there were 743,728 crimes recorded in London, compared to 938,020 in 2023/24. This follows a similar pattern seen in the rest of the United Kingdom, which has witnessed an uptick in crime after reaching historic lows in the mid-2010s. In 2013/14 for example, there were approximately 62 crimes per 100,000 people in England and Wales, compared with 89.7 in 2023/24. Police budgets rising again Due to the austerity policies enacted by UK governments in the 2010s, the amount the UK government spent on the police was effectively frozen between 2013/14 and 2016/17. This policy has since been reversed, with the overall UK police budget reaching 25.3 billion pounds in 2022/23. The amount budgeted for the Metropolitan Police by the Mayor of London for 2023/24 was 4.53 billion British pounds, a significant increase on the 3.33 billion budgeted in 2018/19.

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Police and Law Enforcement Equipment Market Size 2024-2028

The police and law enforcement equipment market size is forecast to increase by USD 1.45 billion at a CAGR of 6.83% between 2023 and 2028.

The growing focus on public place protection is the key driver of the police and law enforcement equipment market, as governments and law enforcement agencies increase investments in advanced tools and technology to enhance public safety and security. This includes equipment like surveillance systems, body cameras, and protective gear. An emerging trend in the market is the use of social media for law enforcement. Police agencies are increasingly leveraging social media platforms for real-time communication, crime prevention, and gathering intelligence. By monitoring and engaging with the public, law enforcement can improve community relations and enhance their effectiveness in tackling crime
The growth is further supported by the increasing focus on securing public places and ensuring public safety. With the rise in crime rates and terror threats, law enforcement agencies are investing heavily in advanced equipment to enhance their capabilities. Another trend influencing the market is the increasing use of social media for law enforcement purposes, such as crowd control and crime prevention. Communication systems and digital technologies, such as facial recognition and CCTV cameras with night vision and facial recognition capabilities, are increasingly being adopted to enhance operational efficiency and information sharing.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market caters to the demand for tools and technologies that enable law enforcement officers to maintain law and order, ensure officer safety, and respond effectively to criminal activities. This market encompasses a diverse range of products, including personal protective equipment, such as body armor and helmets, and non-lethal weapons, like striking instruments, chemical agents, and electronic devices. Factors driving market growth include increasing threats to officer safety from violent protests and mass shooting incidences, as well as the need for advanced riot control equipment and non-lethal weapons to minimize harm.
Additionally, the evolution of technology has led to the development of advanced electronic devices, such as surveillance equipment and communication systems, which enhance the capabilities of these agencies. The market is expected to experience significant growth due to the ongoing efforts to improve officer safety and respond effectively to a wide range of threats.

How is this Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Application

  Police
  Court
  Law enforcement agencies and others


Product

  Lethal and non-lethal weapons
  Surveillance systems
  Communication systems
  Personal protective equipment and others


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    China


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Application Insights

The police segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market is driven by the police segment, which accounted for a significant market share in 2022. Law enforcement officers rely on advanced equipment to maintain law and order, prevent crime, and ensure officer safety. The increasing number of tactical units and civil unrest worldwide are key factors fueling the demand for police equipment. Non-lethal equipment, including impact-resistant polymers, ballistic fibers, and smart sensors, plays a crucial role in managing non-lethal threats and maintaining community relations during non-traditional responsibilities, such as mental health crises, drug dealers, and demographic shifts.

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The police segment was valued at USD 1.36 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 42% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The law enforcement equipment market in North America is experiencing growth due to escalating government investments to ensure public safety and address criminal activities. In 2022, the US Department of Justice allocated a budget of USD 35.5 billion, with law e

The crime rate in London was 105.8 crime offences per thousand people for the 2023/24 reporting year, compared with 100.9 in the previous year. Between 2015/16 and 2019/20 the crime rate in the UK capital increased in every reporting year, with the sudden drop seen in 2019/20 due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing a sharp reduction in certain types of crime such as robbery and theft. Police record over 938,00 crimes in 2023/24 The number of crimes reported by the police in London was 938,020 in 2023/24, compared with 887,870 in the previous reporting year. Although there was a slight dip in overall recorded crime in the aftermath of the pandemic, this was not the case for violent crime in particular remains at elevated levels. One positive is that the number of homicide offences in 2023/24 has remained beneath the 159 reported in 2017/18. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police force area has a lower crime rate than many of the UK's other major police forces, such as West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside. Police recruitment drive ends era of cuts   The rise in crime in London happened alongside a decline in both personnel and funding for the London Metropolitan Police. Compared with 2010 for example, there were around 3,000 fewer police officers in 2018, while annual funding was reduced to around 3.3 billion pounds between 2013/14 and 2018/19, compared with 3.62 billion in 2012/13. These cuts were due to the policy of austerity that was implemented by the UK government during that time period, but this has recently been replaced by pledges to increase spending and to recruit more police. In 2023/24, the budget for the Metropolitan Police was 4.53 billion pounds, while the number of officers in 2023 increased to around 34,900.

Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.BackgroundThe British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey series began in 1983. The series is designed to produce annual measures of attitudinal movements to complement large-scale government surveys that deal largely with facts and behaviour patterns, and the data on party political attitudes produced by opinion polls. One of the BSA's main purposes is to allow the monitoring of patterns of continuity and change, and the examination of the relative rates at which attitudes, in respect of a range of social issues, change over time. Some questions are asked regularly, others less often. Funding for BSA comes from a number of sources (including government departments, the Economic and Social Research Council and other research foundations), but the final responsibility for the coverage and wording of the annual questionnaires rests with NatCen Social Research (formerly Social and Community Planning Research). The BSA has been conducted every year since 1983, except in 1988 and 1992 when core funding was devoted to the British Election Study (BES).Further information about the series and links to publications may be found on the NatCen Social Research British Social Attitudes webpage. Main Topics:Each year, the BSA interview questionnaire contains a number of 'core' questions, which are repeated in most years. In addition, a wide range of background and classificatory questions is included. The remainder of the questionnaire is devoted to a series of questions (modules) on a range of social, economic, political and moral issues - some are asked regularly, others less often. Cross-indexes of those questions asked more than once appear in the reports. Multi-stage stratified random sample See documentation for each BSA year for full details. 1983 1991 ABILITY ABORTION ACCESS TO COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS TO EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY ACID RAIN ADOLESCENTS ADOPTION ADVERTISING ADVICE AGE AGRICULTURAL LAND AGRICULTURAL PRODUC... AGRICULTURE AID AIDS DISEASE AIR POLLUTION AIR TRAFFIC NOISE ALCOHOL USE ALLIANCE LIBERAL SD... ANIMAL PRODUCTS ANIMAL TESTING APPLICATION FOR EMP... ARMED FORCES ARTIFICIAL INSEMINA... ARTS ASIANS ASPIRATION ASSAULT ASSOCIATIONS ASTROLOGY ATTITUDE CHANGE ATTITUDES AUTOMATION BANKS BLACK PEOPLE BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS BONUS PAYMENTS BRITISH POLITICAL P... BROADCASTING BROKEN FAMILIES BUILDING MAINTENANCE BURGLARY BUSINESS ECONOMICS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT BUSINESSES CAPITALISM CARE OF DEPENDANTS CARE OF THE DISABLED CARE OF THE ELDERLY CAREER DEVELOPMENT CATHOLICISM CENSORSHIP CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CEREAL PRODUCTS CHANGING SOCIETY CHARITABLE ORGANIZA... 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DECISION MAKING DEFENCE DELIVERY PREGNANCY DEMOCRACY DENTAL TREATMENT DENTISTS DEPRESSED AREAS DETENTION DISABLED PERSONS DISADVANTAGED GROUPS DISARMAMENT DISCIPLINE DISCRIMINATION DISTANCE MEASUREMENT DIVORCE DOMESTIC RESPONSIBI... DOMESTIC TRADE DRIVING DRUG ABUSE EARLY RETIREMENT ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ECONOMIC AID ECONOMIC CONDITIONS ECONOMIC POLICY ECONOMIC POWER EDIBLE FATS EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL ADMINIS... EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND EDUCATIONAL EXPENDI... EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES EDUCATIONAL FINANCE EDUCATIONAL GRANTS EDUCATIONAL INFORMA... EDUCATIONAL INSTITU... EDUCATIONAL INTEGRA... EDUCATIONAL OPPORTU... EDUCATIONAL POLICY EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS EDUCATIONAL TESTS EGGS FOOD ELDERLY ELECTIONS ELECTORAL SYSTEMS EMIGRATION EMPLOYEES EMPLOYER SPONSORED ... EMPLOYERS EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT HISTORY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUN... 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EXPECTATION EXPENDITURE EXPORTS AND IMPORTS EXPOSURE TO NOISE FAITH SCHOOLS FAMILIES FAMILY COHESION FAMILY ENVIRONMENT FAMILY LIFE FAMILY MEMBERS FAMILY ROLES FAMILY SIZE FARMERS FARMING SYSTEMS FATHER S OCCUPATION FATHERS FEAR OF CRIME FERTILIZERS FIELDS OF STUDY FINANCE FINANCIAL EXPECTATIONS FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT FINANCIAL MARKETS FINANCIAL RESOURCES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FINANCING FINES FISH AS FOOD FISHING SPORT FOOD FOOD AND NUTRITION FOOD PRODUCTION FOOTPATHS FORECASTING FOREIGN RELATIONS FOREST MANAGEMENT FORTUNE TELLING FRAUD FREE WILL FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION FREEDOM OF SPEECH FREEDOM OF THE PRESS FRIENDS FRINGE BENEFITS FRUIT FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT FUMES FUND RAISING FUTURE SOCIETY GENDER GENERAL PRACTITIONERS GIFTS GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT POLICY GRANTS GREEN BELT AREAS GREEN PARTY UNITED ... GUNS HEALTH HEALTH CONSULTATIONS HEALTH FOODS HEALTH PROFESSIONALS HEALTH RELATED BIOT... 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There were 1,248 firearm offences recorded in London 2023/24, compared with 1,085 in 2022/23. Compared with previous years, there were far fewer offences in 2020/21 and 2021/22, which may have been due to the lockdowns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is also reflected in London's overall crime rate, which fell from 102.4 crimes per 1,000 people in 2019/20, to 83.3 in 2020/21, before increasing to 92.8 in 2021/22, and 105.8 in the most recent reporting year. Firearm homicides rare in the UK The United Kingdom has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, resulting in relatively low levels of gun crime and firearm homicides. In 2022/23 just 4.9 percent of homicides in England and Wales were the result of shootings, compared with 85.7 percent in the United States in 2021. The most common method of killing for homicides in England and Wales was by far the use of a sharp instrument at 41.4 percent of homicides in the 2022/23 reporting year. London police budget rising In 2023/24 the budget for policing in London reached 4.53 billion British pounds, compared with 4.44 billion pounds in the previous financial year. This is the sixth-consecutive year of London's police budget increasing, compared with the period between 2013/14 and 2018/19, when it remained around 3.3 billion pounds, and was actually smaller than in 2012/13 when the budget was 3.62 billion. These budget increases have occurred alongside a recruitment drive for police officers. In 2023, there were 35,900 police officers in London, compared with just 31,087 in 2018.

In 2023/24 there were 7,277 kidnapping offences recorded by the police in England and Wales, a slight decrease when compared with the previous year when there were 7,378 offences. Kidnapping offences reached a low of 1,388 offences in the 2012/13 reporting year but have been increasing in almost every reporting year since then. Rising crime overall Kidnapping offences have increased at a time of rising overall crime. After declining for several years between 2003/04 and 2010/11, overall crime offences suddenly started to increase, and reached a recent peak of 6.74 million offences in 2022/23. While the overall number of crimes has grown, UK crime rates are actually slightly lower than in the early 2000s, due to population growth. As of 2023/24, the number of crimes per 1,000 people was 89.7 in England and Wales, 55 in Scotland, and 58.4 in Northern Ireland. Money and manpower to blame? The current crime trends that are prevailing in the UK have led to questions about the ability of the police to counter it, and if they have the manpower and resources to do so. For much of the 2010s the police had cuts to their funding leading to a decline in officer numbers, although both trends have recently been reversed, with funding increasing from the late 2010s onwards. Other parts of the justice system, such as legal aid funding have not seen a reversal of this trend, with spending in 2022/23 below that of 2014/15 in real terms.