Sussex Police introduce new role for PCSO’s to “proactively problem solve and tackle local issues in Sussex”.
PCSOs with enhanced powers and skills, will start their new role on Monday, July 4 equipped with new skills and powers to deal with a wide range of local problems. They will be able to act to resolve issues such as alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour from their very first day in the new role.
Assistant Chief Constable Laurence Taylor, said: “The PCSO role has evolved since it was introduced 13 years ago with the specific aim to be visible in the community; and they will continue to conduct patrols. However these patrols will be targeted to areas where they know they can make a difference. They will be helping prevent crimes such as burglary and anti-social behaviour and complete tasks in ways that are proven to reduce crime and keep people safe.”
The PCSO’s will be an integral part of larger teams solving local problems, carrying out basic investigations, working alongside partners and directly with witnesses and victims to respond to community issues. Making use of mobile technology, PCSOs will be able access information whilst out in the community.
The flexible nature of their new role means they can work when and where they are needed, logging on remotely, as well as working from police and shared premises.
ACC Taylor, continued: “Accessibility is important to me.
“It’s important that communities can speak to their PCSOs and police officers when they need them or if they have information to pass on. Now they will have a team to access rather than one individual. Every area within Sussex will have a team to contact – by phone, email or via the web.
“Should there be a need, supervisory officers will have autonomy to move PCSOs to the places where they are needed most. These are in addition to our 999 response and investigations teams. This means all areas in Sussex will have access to a full range of force, regional and national policing services.
“Whilst our newly recruited PCSOs complete their training, teams will be supported by constables within local teams and, in some areas, new police constables who will be out training in the community.
ACC Taylor said: “The new role of the PCSO has been specifically developed in line with changing demands in policing and reshaping our service to make it as effective as possible to meet the needs of the local community.
“Sussex Police faces the challenge of operating with new demands against a shrinking budget, however, the force is determined to make policing services more effective, rather than less so.
“PCSOs, who are supported by constables with enforcement capabilities, are one of a number of layers of policing that work to prevent, respond to and investigate crime.
“The new policing model for Sussex is focused on protecting vulnerable people and catching criminals. We will always be there when people need us.”
Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Equalities for Brighton & Hove City Council, Cllr Emma Daniel, said: “We note these changes being brought in for PCSOs. We have good partnership working locally with the police, and will always work collaboratively to maintain that. However, neighbourhoods really valued their PCSOs in their previous role as introduced under the Labour government, and so we hope that this change of focus will be as positive as is intended. We are all having to work under constraints in public funding at the moment, trying to target resources where there is most need.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.