Revised Local Policing Plan, some reprieve for Community Support Officers.

PCSO Hemmett working at Acton School

In the recent budget statement the Chancellor had a change of heart about the level of funding for the Police. This, together with the decision by the Police and Crime Commissioner to increase his precept by 2%,  means that the level of savings that needs to be made by the Police Service will be lower than previously thought.

The previous Local Policing Review involved severe cuts to the number of PCSO’s  (Police Community Support Officers).  Although these officers will still be reduced in number under the Revised Review,
the reductions will not be as great as anticipated.

When PCSO’s were originally created some years ago many people were unimpressed.  Their lack of powers of arrest and focus on community matters led them to be described as ‘policemen-lite’ and they were written off by many in advance.

Having worked over the years with a number of these officers however I have been really impressed by the impact that they have had.  They have, for example, worked brilliantly with primary schools locally, promoting road safety and initiatives such as walking buses. In the past they often attended Parish Council Meetings giving information about local crime issues which I know was much appreciated.   Let’s hope that following this reprieve they will be more in evidence once again.  On one or two occasions I have worked with them on quite serious anti-social behaviour issues, and have been surprised at how much they have been able to get done to address these problems.

  

A reprieve for some PCSO posts is just part of the revised Local Policing Review that has been recently published.  More information is available HERE.

A series of public meetings are being held around the County at which the local Inspector will present about the future shape of policing in the area.  One will be held on 29^th March in Sudbury in the Town Hall.  Unfortunately at present the time has yet to be confirmed.  When and if I find out I will post the information under ‘Forthcoming Events’.