You watch, they'll be on more money than a PC soon




The introduction of police community support officers (PCSOs) into a local area results in lower rates of crime, a study has revealed.

Kent Police Chief Constable, Michael Fuller says that this is evidence that PCSOs tackle real crime and are helping police and their partners to get to grips with the quality-of-life issues that matter to the communities they serve.


The PCSOs have had a positive impact on key crime types examined in the study, which was commissioned by the Chief Constable and carried out by Dr Vicki Harrington, the force’s Head of Strategic Research and Development.

The study showed PCSOs are particularly successful in reducing vehicle crime and criminal damage, especially to street furniture, buildings and vehicles.

Vehicle crime fell by nearly 19 per cent in the six areas evaluated in the study, more than double the rate of reduction for the force as a whole. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the amount of criminal damage recorded.

The study looked at the impact of both urban and rural PCSOs, who were recruited since 2003/4 under the Home Office funding arrangements. PCSOs are funded by local partnerships involving Kent Police, the Home Office, and a variety of partners, including unitary, county, district and parish councils, schools and Housing Associations.

Throughout Kent there are now 108 PCSOs working for the community, in the countryside and towns, sometimes based in schools and community centres. They are joined by 221 neighbourhood police officers, 85 special constables and more than 100 council wardens.

So the fall in fiqures has nothing to do with the 221 police officers 85 specials or the 100 wardens

No wouldnt seem so would it

The problem with the study (or the person that wrote up the report) is they have NOT stated how many PC's. Specials. Council Wardens. there were in the previous year....

With the introduction of neighbourhood Policing teams and this partnership working groups, every area should see a good reduction in crime rates ....

The government have thrown money into PCSO's, but also in the Policing teams...If these figures had dropped I'd want to know why.

Kent by the looks has it have got it right with a good balance of both Pc's, Pcso's, Council.

It does dishearten me when i see reports like this harping on how Pcso's have made a massive difference...
we have made a difference yes but not alone...we ALL have done it working in good teams...working along side good police officers that have guided and used us well...

It's about time the teams are given credit where its due..not just the Pcso's as part of that team

little star

If there is one thing I like about PCSO's is they never blow their own trumpet, there's nothing else I like about them though

I take it you are in agreement?

Well that depends on bit you think I'm agreeing with