Cheshire’s police and crime panel has quizzed Commissioner Dan Price over plans which could see up to 60 PSCO roles axed across the county, writes Belinda Ryan.
The constabulary launched an internal consultation this week to save £13 million over the next four years through reducing Police Community Support Officers and redistributing warranted police officers into neighbourhood policing teams.
At the police and crime panel, PCC Dan Price (pictured) told members that the number of officers in neighbourhood policing was going to increase from 251 to 327.
He said: “The precise number of PCSOs as part of that mix is yet to be decided.
“But I must reassure panel members and residents that I am committed to delivering my promise, as set out in the police and crime plan, of ensuring a named PC or PCSO for every ward in Cheshire.
“I want to be clear, we are increasing the size of neighbourhood policing in Cheshire.
“I am holding the Chief Constable to account in this area and will continue to scrutinise how community policing is delivered.”
But panel members were clearly concerned.
Cllr Keith Millar (CWAC, Lab) said: “I’ve already had feedback from residents. How can we campaign? How can we raise a petition at this?
“Because in communities, PCSOs are well thought of.”
He asked how the public could have their voice heard on what they regard as “a valued part of the community”.
Cllr David Jefferay (CEC, Ind) said: “They (PCSOs) create this kind of link to the community that it’s difficult to see a PC doing.”
Panel chair Judy Snowball (CEC, Lab) said members had been approached by the public and councillors about this.
She said PCSOs are valued “and they form the backbone of a lot of community policing and community and neighbourhood working”.
Mr Price added: “No decisions have been made right now. This is an internal consultation that is taking place within the constabulary.”
He added he was listening to concerns from the panel and public.
“Decisions have not been made, but the chief constable has operational independence and has started an internal consultation,” said Mr Price.
“I completely understand the strength of feeling that is coming from panel members and members of the public.”
“You are our and the public and the community’s conduit into raising concerns for operational policing.”
She said she was still not sure how the public could raise their concerns over this, other than writing to the Commissioner – which many would not do.
Cllr Sam Naylor (CWAC, Lab) said PCSOs haven’t got the powers of arrest that police officers have, have not had the training and do not possess the equipment that warranted officers have.
He praised PCSOs in Cheshire but said if neighbourhood policing numbers were going to go up from 251 to 327, that’s going to invariably mean there’s going to be more warranted officers.
He continued: “They’re going to be forming part of neighbourhood policing units. I think that’s something to be welcomed.
“Let’s see what the chief constable comes up with, but I think we’re worrying unduly.”
The panel agreed to write formally to the Commissioner raising members’ concerns and seeking clarification on the mix of the new 327 number and how it would be achieved, and also seeking information about public consultation.
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