POLICE spent more than £4million on temporary agency staff in the last financial year, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has shown.

In the 2024/25 financial year, Devon & Cornwall Police spent £4,581,732 on temporary agency staff, the FOI request shows.

The force spent £15,229 on permanent staff recruitment, the FOI also shows.

A total of 44 temporary agency staff members were recruited, compared to 169 permanent members of staff.

Devon & Cornwall Police has a contract with Adecco UK Limited for the supply of temporary agency staff.

The force does not, however, have a contract with any company for the supply of permanent staff via a recruitment agency.