Outcry over cuts to civilian cops
POLITICIANS and the public have pledged their support for Police Community Supports Officers (PCSOs) amid fears they could be axed.
About 30 PCSOs work with the neighbourhood policing teams in Wear Valley all of whom received 90-day redundancy notices from Durham Constabulary.
It is believed that about 200 of the 1,160 civilian staff who received notices will lose their jobs after the force was told it faces a cut in its budget of between 25 and 40 per cent.
In Willington more than 100 people have signed a protest letter calling for the PCSOs to be protected. The protestors said they “object to cuts in PCSOs” and are “encouraging existing staffing levels to remain”.
Margaret Metcalf from Willington Resource Centre, where the town’s PCSO’s have an office, said they do a valuable job and their presence had seen a drop in anti-social behaviour.
She said: “The PCSOs we have here are lovely and they listen to the young people.
Older residents also find them a comfort and will often call into see them, especially if they’re going away the PCSOs will check to make sure their houses are safe.”
The completed protest letters will be given to Pat Glass, MP for North West Durham. She said: “PCSOs are a critical part of the police force and deserve respect.
“This is an attack on community policing which will hamper the fight against crime and weaken our police.
“This cut will mean less police on the beat, working to make our communities safer.”
Graham Sewell, chairman of Greater Willington Town Council, said the council had worked closely with the PCSOs and had bought them a car and speed matrix. He said their “close working relationship” had also seen the creation of an alcohol exclusion zone in the town centre.
He said: “The council would be very disappointed at any PCSO cuts, they have done a very good job for us.
“They have created a link between the police and younger generation and we have certainly seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour.”
Inspector Martin Peace from the Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Police team said he couldn’t comment on redundancy notices except to confirm no decisions had been made. He said PCSOs are “invaluable” members of the force and not just because of their street presence.
Insp Peace’s PCSOs are operating speedwatches, gathering evidence for Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos), arranging test purchases and finding information which has led to successful drugs raids.
He said: “They are the eyes and ears of the organisation and there is a lot they do in the background that assists the police. They have knowledge of their beat areas and are active members of the communities they work in.
“For vulnerable victims of crime they are a reassurance, older or more vulnerable residents really appreciate it when PCSOs go and have a cup of tea and chat with them.
“Myself and other neighbourhood Inspectors and officers value them very highly.”
Durham County Council’s neighbourhood wardens are also in support of the PCSOs.
Belinda Snow, warden coordinator, said the wardens work closely with PCSOs to tackle environmental problems, anti-social behaviour and the fears of the public.
Assistant chief officer at Durham Constabulary Gary Ridley said: “Despite undertaking a range of actions to save money, it is clear compulsory redundancies need to be considered in light of likely future reductions in the amount of government grants the constabulary receives.
“We are working closely with the police authority and trade unions to minimise impact on staff, while maintaining a service to County Durham and Darlington.”