It's starting to really get me peeved to be honest. I'll be getting on to my fed rep similarly to how a number of my colleagues already have. They think that once you've done a certain number of years you wont quit for whatever reason. I've got 9 in but I am considering becomming a PCSO , if it wasn't for the fact that apart from the bureaucracy I enjoy my job I would!

Oldbillplod are you in favour of the work to rule?

I joined this job to serve and I do this to the best of my abiliies, however we are entitled to our 3% as we aren't allowed to strike and this was the agreement made.
If we don't get our 3% then as far as I am aware then all agreements have been broken.
Whilst I wouldn't like to see the police service go on strike, working to rule is the only other option we have, bring it on

I'm only a civvie but when pcsos get paid more than police officers this is very bad. Police officers put themselves in more danger, and have a harder job, they have to know loads of offences, do nights, paperwork, interviews. Seems unfair from where I am seeing it.

I'm going to defend the PCSOs now.

Where i live things were really getting out of hand crime wise. Gangs used to gather near my house regularly and i felt it wasn't safe to go out. but for a while now the local police have been working really hard and often give a fantastic response. because of this, and the introduction of PCSOs who can stop situations getting worse and gather evidence the area has improved slightly and they are a friendly face


oh and in South wales the PCSO salary ranges from around £16,203 to £17,967 so it is lower than that of a new PC

Matt.

Good on you for defending them, always good to hear where they are making a difference. Just to point out to every one that I wasn't insulting pcso's I was just saying the fact they were getting better pay than pc's was bad. Which I still say, although I know this varies by force, like 01mterr1 has posted. I know that one of my relatives got a very rude sarcastic response from a met police officer when they said that they felt a more visible presence would be good. She was told by the female sgt. that the area was "regularly patrolled, do you want them to play a big bass drum when they come or something?"

Also Matthew, don't forget that the figure quoted is before any shift allowances have been added.

With 25% shift allowence added, and the federation payment taken out of basic PC wages, I believe i works out the same!