Statement from Chief Constable David Crompton regarding PCSO proposals
Friday, 13 April, 2012
Chief Constable David Crompton said: "Today's discussion in relation to PCSO powers and duties would not result in a removal of police constables from frontline policing. Reports suggesting that this would result in less police officers on the beat are inaccurate - police officers will remain visible in the community and continue to work in the same areas that they do now.
"PCSOs will continue their valuable role working alongisde police officers and special constables in safer neighbourhood teams working in communities as they always have done. Our proposal is that we enhance their powers so that they can deal with more incidents that don't require a police constable with the powers of arrest.
"In times of financial constraints it is the Force's duty to explore all avenues as we continue to strive to use the resources available to us in the most effective way and we will maintain an open mind as to how we achieve this."
