A COUNCILLOR has branded Cheshire Police "Scrooges" after they decided to cut their community support officers’ salaries by up to £2,000 a year at a time when they are desperate for new recruits.
The decision to drop PCSO salaries down from scale five (£18,507 - £20,214) to scale four (£16,203 – £17,967) was taken by an evaluation panel made up of specially trained police staff and officers earlier this month.
Now Poynton Parish Councillor Lawrence Clarke fears that the move, taken at the height of a drive for new PCSOs, will discourage recruits and make it hard to keep hold of existing officers.
PCSOs have the small comfort of knowing that their pay will be ring-fenced at current levels for the next four years and that their union UNISON will lodge an appeal this January.
He said: "In Poynton, we have two PCSOs part funded by the council and another two to come.
"I would be interested to see if these savings were passed onto us.
"I am surprised by this news. PCSOs have been a success in Poynton and I think this will cause problems with retention and recruitment of staff. The timing isn’t great either – it seems Cheshire Police are being quite Scrooge-like."
Chris Dilworth, Head of Resourcing for Cheshire Police, said PCSOs were given the scale five pay in 2003 partly because they had the power to detain with reasonable force.
He said that power had never been taken up in the county and would now not be.
For principally that reason, the panel decided the PCSOs should drop a scale – although if they were given more powers, their salary would be re-evaluated.
He added: "We have had no resignations as yet and hopefully we won’t have.
"Our PCSOs are the best paid in the North West and their salaries are still competitive and comparable with other forces."
ROBUST POWERS FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT OFFICERS IN ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CRACKDOWN 
/noticias.info/ 18 January 2006 23:34
At present the powers available to CSOs vary from force to force, which can cause the public to misunderstand their role and in some cases prevent CSOs from playing a full part in neighbourhood policing.
The proposed standard set, published today, will ensure that CSOs in all areas have the powers necessary to deal with issues they are likely to encounter on the street while leaving the designation of a number of powers to the discretion of Chief Officers.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said:
"Introducing a standard set of robust powers for CSOs will allow them to contribute fully to neighbourhood policing and handle more issues on-the-spot, without recourse to a police constable. It will also help the public understand exactly what CSOs can do, and free up more police time to deal with serious offences.
"By including a number of important powers - such as the power to issue a fixed penalty notice for littering or graffiti, or to confiscate drugs or alcohol - we are ensuring that CSOs have the tools to deal effectively with low level crime and anti-social behaviour."
Proposals for the standard set of powers and the additional power will be brought before Parliament in forthcoming legislation.
MORE HERE
A robust set of standard powers for Community Support Officers (CSOs) is to be introduced to help tackle low level crime and anti-social behaviour, the Home Office announced today.
"Community Support Officers are valuable members of the police family and provide excellent support to local communities. They have been well received by the public and been effective in tackling low-level crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour as well as helping to restore respect in local communities.
In addition to the standard set of powers, it is proposed to extend the power to take part in truancy sweeps to CSOs. The Government believes that CSOs are well placed to undertake this activity given their local knowledge of children in their area. This was one of a number of measures outlined recently as part of the Government's Respect Action plan designed to combat the causes of anti-social behaviour and promote respect in society. 
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pcsodanielwmp says "it will be a radio station playing anything you want, it will be run by myself if falkor ok with it, podcasts will be played on there, advertisements for becoming pcso ect.
"its basicly directed to everyone who enjoys and spends most there time on here to catch up on the missing gossip, news or comments"
over 50% of members voted the station as a good idea for the site ... catch the poll here
Sunday 17th September 2006
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Work begins on new police base
By Andrew Hewitt 8 August 2006
BOBBIES in Brierfield will soon have a place to call home after work began on a new police station.
Work costing £30,000 to convert a former shop in Colne Road came about after residents said they wanted to see more officers in the town.
Inspector John Bullas, responsible for policing in Nelson and Brierfield, was due to visit the site today to inspect the building work.
He said: "Residents have said they want us to be highly visible and easily accessible and this new base will go a long way towards helping us achieve that.
"We're very excited about the building and delighted that work is now under way to give Brierfield its own police base."
The new station at 19 Colne Road, next to the town hall, used to be Wise Buys.
Once refurbished, the station will include a public inquiry desk and an office for the town's sergeant, community beat managers and police community support officers.
It will also feature a meeting room which will be used for Police and Community Together meetings and other community events.
Pendle Partnership, an organisation made up of bodies including police, the council, businesses and community groups, has funded the project through European cash.
Brierfield Liberal Democrat councillor Frank Wren said many constituents had gone to him asking for a police base in the town since he was elected in 2004.
He added: "It will be fantastic and will be somewhere for the people to go in to.
"It sends out the message that the law-abiding people of Brierfield have had enough and will not tolerate criminals."
Tuesday 8th August 2006
___________________________________________________________________
Police Community Support Supervisors
Person Spec - Role Profile
BAND D - £20,214 - £23,151 pa + 12½ % shift allowance + weekend working allowance
You will manage a team of Police Community Support Officers, including the allocation of duties, motivating your team and ensuring the delivery of a quality service. You will also take responsibility for welfare and discipline issues and staff appraisal. In addition you will undertake the duties of a Police Community Support Officer.
You must have at least three years previous experience of working with the public and of supervising other staff. You will be expected to motivate your team and have previous experience of dealing with staffing issues such as welfare and discipline. Ideally you will have a supervisory/management qualification. In addition you will possess all of the qualities outlined for the Police Community Support Officers (as above).
If you are interested in applying to be a PCSO Supervisor, an application form, role profile and person specification can be obtained by writing to PCSO Recruiting Officers, Recruiting Department, South Yorkshire Police, Snig Hill Sheffield S3 8LY, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope to the value of 49p.
Interviews will be held: w/c Monday 9 October 2006
Closing Date for Applications: 27 September 2006 topic on this
Plodcast for police recruitment 13 June 2006 23:49
WEST Midlands Police will be attracting a new audience to their latest recruitment campaign … with their own 'Plodcast' - a take on the worldwide 'Podcast' craze.
Popular Jason to leave village post
BOBBIES and Whalley villagers will say so-long to a popular and award-winning Community Support Officer (CSO) later this month.
One of the first CSO's in England, Jason Taylor (pictured) is handing in his distinctive blue banded cap and uniform and leaving his office behind as he takes up a new post as a features writer for a business magazine.
And the 25-year-old says he has been very "fortunate" to have worked in a village like Whalley where community spirit is alive and well.
"Whalley is a great place to work and I have met lots of wonderful people," he commented. "It's a very pro-police area and there is a huge community spirit. "Whalley is no longer a sleepy village, it is rapidly developing into a small town with town-sized issues. I will miss the cheery nature of the people in and around the village, the lovely setting that I have been fortunate enough to work in and most of all, the great friends I have made during my time here."
In 2002, Clitheroe become one of the first towns in the county to have a Community Support Officer on the beat.
During the past four years, CSO Taylor has provided a uniformed presence in Whalley and offered greater public reassurance and an improved quality of life for local residents.
Although CSO Taylor admits he did not have the experience or powers held by police officers, he was able to address many tasks which often took officers away from more urgent duties.
"When I began patrolling the streets of Whalley, there was a problem with anti-social behaviour. This was purely because the youngsters had nowhere to go except to hang around the streets. I worked closely with them and started to arrange activities for them. I feel my role as a CSO helped to improve relations between the police and youngsters."
Over the years, CSO Taylor has successfully engaged the Whalley community by carrying out highvisibility patrols and making a difference to the quality of life of both the young and old alike.
He managed Whalley Junior Football team, organised the "Fusion" under-16s discos at the Rendezvous nighclub and regularly arranged community events and took fun-seeking youngsters on trips to various theme parks.
He was praised for his dedication to duty and pioneering youth work two years ago when he scooped the first Ribble Valley Community Engagement Award on behalf of the borough's Crime and Disorder Prevention Partnership. Speaking to the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times earlier this week, he said he had enjoyed his time as a CSO, but had decided to change direction.
CSO Taylor, who lives in Blackburn and is a former pupil of Darwen High School, explained how he enjoyed writing from a young age and had at one time desired to take up a career in journalism. Writing his weekly "Whalley Beat" column for the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times had encouraged him to fulfil his long-held ambition.
He conveyed his thanks to village residents who have embraced him both as CSO and as a person, and for making him feel welcome and part of their community.
"It has been a privilege to be a part of the events at Whalley Primary School," he added. "I would like to thank the headteacher, Mr Brian Beresford, and all his staff. Being an accessible point of contact for the kids in the village, meant that all the kids knew who 'Jason' was, and this has been a key to the success of my time in this role. "I would also like to thank Steve, Martine, Johnny and Keith at Rendezvous for all their support with the '"Fusion" nights and for their financial contribution toward a number of other projects.
Also, Mr Norman Atty at the Dog Inn and Nigel, for their support with a number of community events and all the other local businesses that have supported the good causes."
Outside work his hobbies include playing football, supporting the Clarets, as well as being a DJ at a nightclub in Blackburn. Clearly a bright spark, last year he appeared on the popular BBC quiz show "The Weakest Link" and walked away with the winning cash prize of £2,120. (s)
16 August 2006
 | WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A 194 PAGE INFORMATION GUIDE THAT COVERS EVERY ASPECT OF THE SELECTION PROCESS FROM COMPLETING THE APPLICATION FORM, INCLUDING SAMPLE RESPONSES TO ROLE PLAY AND ACTUAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS. please click the entry line for FULL INFORMATION on this |
UNISON ACTION: SEPT 05
UNISON wants to see all PCSOs employed on permanent contracts. The Government has stated that PCSOs are here to stay, yet many of our PCSO members continue to suffer the insecurity of temporary employment. UNISON is campaigning for all PCSOs to be put on permanent contracts now.
According to our research, the following forces have done the decent thing and made their PCSOs permanent: Some forces have a mix of permanent and temporary PCSOs: We have written to the Home Office expressing our concerns at the failure of some forces to follow the above examples. PCSOs are doing a difficult enough job without having to worry about their job security.
PCSO National Recruitment Standards UNISON has been invited to join the Home Office Advisory Group for National Recruitment Standards (AGNRS) which is looking at PCSO recruitment standards.
In principle, we support the development of such standards for PCSOs, but we are cautious at Home Office proposals to align these totally with police officer recruitment standards. Not all PCSOs see their job as a stepping stone to becoming a police officer.
PCSO National Learning and development Project The PCSO National Learning and Development Project, managed by Centrex, has merged with the Special Constables Professional Development Scheme to form the Wider Policing Learning Development Programme (WPLDP). This programme will deliver: UNISON will be seeking to influence this programme in light of our PCSO members’ training and development requirements.
There is a growing agenda out there and UNISON needs committed representatives to take our emerging agenda forward. If you are a UNISON member and are interested in becoming a union rep then please contact your local branch.
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Honda (UK) has secured Britain's biggest ever fleet deal for hybrid cars. The Metropolitan Police has ordered 117 Honda Civic Hybrids for its Community Support Officers to use as part of a Safer Neighbourhoods scheme – an initiative to increase police presence on the streets. Officers will use the cars to travel from their operational bases to the start of their foot patrols.
The deal underlines the public sector’s growing interest in ‘greener’ vehicles. Over the past year, the Honda (UK) Corporate Sales department has seen a sharp increase in the number of quotations requested by agencies and organisations in the public sector.
Honda's petrol-electric Civic Hybrid was selected by the Metropolitan Police for its ease of use and strong environmental credentials.
The fact that hybrid cars are becoming more financially viable was also a key influencer. Middleton explained: "We need to balance the desire to produce a vehicle with the lowest environmental impact with the cost to the tax payer that funds the vehicles."
He continued: "It’s now widely acknowledged that hybrids provide the middle stepping stone to hydrogen fuel cell cars – our long term goal. Hybrid technology utilises a vehicle that performs in the same way as a conventional car but has the advantage of a reduced emissions footprint."
Leased through the Lex ‘Emergency Services VT fleet’, the cars are contracted for a two year, 24,000-mile period.
Honda announced earlier this year that it intends to build a small, purpose-built, family-sized hybrid car in 2009.
The Civic Hybrid went on sale in the UK in April 2006.
August 19, 2006 view more news read more on Honda Civics story
BEST OF 2005
WHEN you first meet polite Kirstin then it is difficult to picture her chasing hardened criminals through the streets of Hartlepool. But as she talks about her passion for the community in which she works then you can understand why she will do anything to make it a more inviting place.
Kirstin Anderson has had a number of caring roles. These include working as an RSPCA officer in Hartlepool.
PCSOs act as eyes and ears to the police and are required to build up strong links within the community that they work.
She said: "I already knew Hartlepool quite well because of my previous role with the RSPCA.
Children are obviously not the only ones who think she is doing a good job. This is far higher than the large majority of other PCSO teams.
Kristin said: "I was very elated when I found out, really pleased and proud.
"I now have the award in pride of place in my office at my home."
And after a number of jobs, Kirstin thinks she has finally found her place. Kirstin wishes to thank her bosses Sgt Campbell and Sergeant Tina Robson for nominating her and Graeme for his hard work.
17 August 2005
Councillors are calling on police chiefs to allow a Community Support Officer to issue tickets for traffic offences amid parking problems in a north Shropshire town.
Market Drayton's Community Support Officer Kate Dennett currently has no powers to issue parking tickets, and the town is currently without a traffic warden.
Beat manager Constable Martin Powell told members of Market Drayton Town Council last night that a decision was taken not to grant the powers to CSOs because it would "alienate the public".
2005 SUMMARY CONTINUES
Residents at the annual meeting of Hinchcliffe and Neighbourhood and Residents, in Christ Church, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, told of their frustration when trying to contact police at the station, which is only open between 10am and 2pm.
One incensed man at the meeting, on Tuesday, felt the current hours did nothing to combat the problems of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
He said: "What's the point of opening the station in the morning and early afternoon, when all the crimes take place after 7pm.
"I've seen children aged 14 and 15 hanging round the streets, drinking alcohol and being abusive until 1am, not just at the weekends, but on Thursday evenings."
A worried mum also felt the current hours were inadequate, saying: "Youths gather together in the evening and trash the place, smashing bottles and, on one occasion, tearing our conservatory apart."
But Sergeant James Sheffield, who manages the four officers and four police community support officers at the station, said he had already requested extra resources to improve service at the station, in Misterton, Orton Goldhay.
Sgt Sheffield added: "We are trying to get more officers, to open the Orton station for longer.
"We also hope to reduce the time it takes to answer calls. People who are sometimes waiting for up to 40 minutes to get through should soon be able to be spoken to within a maximum of 20 minutes."
He also added there had been significant successes in the fight against crime in the Ortons.
He said: "Some prolific offenders have been sent back to jail.
"Dedicated police officers have also gathered evidence against three people, who are well known in the area, and they will soon be before the courts.
"But crime prevention is everyone's responsibility, and we need people to give statements to the police if they are the victim of a crime, otherwise we cannot take it to court."
> To speak to Sgt Sheffield or one of his officers at the station, call 0845 456 4564. peterboroughtoday
By Kate Southern 9:56am Wednesday 4th August 2005
A six-month dispersal order allows officers to order offenders off the hospital grounds, in Sterling Way, following complaints from staff and residents.
The hospital, which is battling its own security issues, including theft and violence against staff, has also endured youngsters smashing car windows, spraying graffiti and breaking into the grounds at night to hold parties.
Bottles, condoms and traces of cannabis have all been found.
The dispersal order, launched on Monday in partnership with hospital security staff, covers the perimeter of the hospital including the North Circular Road west to the A10, south to Wilbury Way and Bridport Road.
One sergeant, two police constables and three police community support officers from the Upper Edmonton Safer Neighbourhood Team, based at the hospital, will be dedicated to the project.
Clare Panniker, North Middlesex Hospital's chief executive, said the trust was fully behind the initiative.
10:25am Thursday 4th August 2005
The government last month revoked parliamentary regulations that would have increased local-government retirement from 60 to 65. The regulations, first announced in March, led to a ballot among UNISON’s 800,000 local government members, in which 75% voted to strike.
To ensure no one is disadvantaged, the order to revoke the regulations is backdated to 1 April. UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis has welcomed the U-turn: “We had a massive vote for strike action in local government, with other unions prepared to join the action, which forced the government to think again. We suspended our action with the promise that the regulations would be withdrawn.
45% of PCSOs would move force
Nearly half of all PCSOs would consider moving forces for better pay and conditions, a recent Police Staff magazine poll has revealed. The survey, in conjunction with www.national-pcsos.co.uk, an online members’ forum for PCSOs, found that 45% would move for a better deal and that a further 25% would change forces only if they relocated for other reasons.
What could this mean in the long-term? With so many members of staff ready to move, police services could see large numbers migrating to and fro, leading to individual constabularies vying for staff. From an employer’s perspective, the advantages are obvious: fully trained staff ready to go out into the community with a minimum of training. On the other side of the coin, competition to attract the best of these roving candidates could drive up pay and conditions for PCSOs.
Emma says that her job is quite varied, as it involves co-ordinating assessments for police officers. She works on PCSO recruitment, too - sorting out course dates, and putting the PCSOs through their medical and vetting procedures, as well as getting them prepared. For Emma, the most rewarding part of her working day is “when the PCSO course takes place and everybody actually turns up and then gives good feedback. Also, if you meet somebody at an assessment, and you can put a face to a name and you’ve seen the recruitment process through - that doesn’t happen very often, so that’s good.”
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MORE FROM 2005
UNISON RELEASE DATED (9/9/05) GO TO THE UNISON SITE
Top of their most wanted list is a consistent set of powers for police community support officers (PCSOs) across England and Wales. The current situation, where support officers have been granted different sets of powers, confuses the public and officers said the union.
UNISON is also calling for a full review of personal protective equipment, including items such as knife-proof vests for support officers.
“The first step is having a national set of powers, so they can deliver what is expected. The ad-hoc approach of giving powers throughout the country is causing confusion in the service and for the public about what a PCSO can do,” warned Priestly
“Our members also need to feel that they are protected while out on patrols and have called for a review of protective equipment. We would never dream of sending a paramedic, police officer or firefighter out without the proper equipment, so why should a PCSO be any different?” he asked.
UNISON is also pushing for a national set of terms and condition for PCSOs, calling the service a ‘dinosaur’ when it comes to employment rights for police staff.
check out the rest of the TOP TEN police sites here
2005 SUMMARY CONTINUES
By Glenn Ebrey 9:56am Wednesday 8th June 2005
But Abbey Wood Residents' Forum chairman Joy Cunningham MBE hit back at the claims, saying PCSOs in the area do a "cracking job".
He says he saw police officers stealing money and cannabis during drug raids.
However the residents' forum says its experiences with the PCSOs, community based officers without the full power of arrest introduced in September 2002, has been positive.
Mrs Cunningham, of Sewell Road, claims they play a vital role and are popular with most members of the community.
Daily Mirror pictures showed two officers coming out of the C2K Youth and Community Centre, in Penmon Road, having apparently spent an hour and a half inside.
Senior Met Police officers are now set to launch an investigation into Mr Hillsden's allegations.
9:56am Wednesday 8th June 2005 For full story at News Shopper select this link
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When will the Federation, and the sensationalist news media learn that we are here to stay, that we make a positive contribution, and that if we were to vanish tomorrow, problems and crime would rise once again. As for the "hobby bobbies" remark, I find it a disgusting, outdated remark. Once used to revile the Special Constabulary, it's now been shifted onto us, especially when you consider that many of us work over 40 hours per week, in all weathers in order that we might better serve our communities, suffering abuse and attacks from people on the street and from our own superiors. I think the term hobby bobby is inappropriate to say the least.
S, Nottingham
12/03/2005 at 12:43
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Anyone with an open mind and who would bothered to conduct fair and through research would see that PCSO's have provided a huge amount to policing particularly local, low level issues that local communities appreciate. The role of the modern PC means that they simply cannot be on the street for long enough to provide the reassurance and presence that local communities require. No PC's have been put out of a job because of PCSO's, PCSO's are an extremely useful asset for police forces and they are here to stay whether the police federation likes it or not.
Dan, London
12/03/2005 at 01:05
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As someone north of the border i wish the scottish executive would get off their butts and introduce a similar scheme up here! I have followed the introduction of pcso's with interest and to me they seem money well spent! At present all we have is community wardens in areas for priority treatment. No disrepect to the men and women who fill these roles but we want a police prescence with the powers to match
stephen milne, glasgow
11/03/2005 at 23:52
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POLICE STAFF MAGAZINE: OCT 2005
UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis, said: “It wasn’t competition or choice that saved lives on July 7 in the wake of the London bombing. It was the coordinated actions of public service workers across the capital. It was their skill, dedication and training that allowed the carefully co-ordinated emergency plans to kick in, and enabled workers from all sectors to pull together to rescue victims and treat the injured.” The public service ethos is still alive in the UK but is under threat. It would be criminal to allow those in the know to grab the best choices, and leave the less able to struggle for what is left.”
PCSOs want consistent powers Police Community Support Officers, who played a vital role during and after the London terrorist attacks, want a consistent set of powers across England and Wales.
PCSOs have been granted different sets of powers in different forces, which confuses the public and offficers. UNISON’s PCSO members have also called for a full review of personal protective equipment, such as stab vests.
Ben Priestley, UNISON National Officer said: “PCSOs played a vital role in all the major cities and towns in the UK during the terrorist attacks. They were patrolling train stations and streets, being a visible police presence and providing public reassurance. Rather than being labelled as ‘plastic policeman’, they were praised for their dedication and call to duty. But our members feel they still need to be treated as professionals and have the proper tools to do the job.
“The first step is having a national set of powers so they can deliver what is expected. The ad-hoc approach of giving powers throughout the country is causing confusion in the service and for the public about what a PCSO can do.”
UNISON is also pushing for a national set of terms and condition for PCSOs, calling the service a ‘dinosaur’ when it comes to employment rights for police staff Ben Priestley added: “We still have the unacceptable situation of each force having different rates of pay for PCSOs. Some forces pay their PCSOs £3,000 less than their neighbours. We will be putting in a claim for a national rate of pay for a national role.”
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EDITORIAL - whtimes@archant.co.uk 08 June 2005
The man had been spotted sitting with his feet dangling over the edge of The Howard Centre in WGC on Sunday night.
Mr Crane, 33, said: "We went to the CCTV control room and saw a guy sitting on the edge.
He called his colleague and a security guard to come and help drag the man back to safety.
Mr Crane added: "If we hadn't been on foot patrol we wouldn't have got there in time."
Chief inspector Mark Hunter said: "They saved this gentleman's life and did it without thought of the obvious risk to their own lives.
Howard Centre operations manager Mick Jones said: "I'm pleased that my staff reacted in such a way to assist the police in preventing what could have been a tragic incident.
the calendar is in pdf format and will look great in your office, bedroom, lounge or even your Dad's study!
NOTES He has a very dry sense of humour and has an uncanny knack of summing up the present day 'PCSO scene' in his cracking "ON THE BEAT" cartoons!
'Plastic policemen' plans under attack
Warning over paramilitary infiltration
By Jonathan McCambridge 13 June 2005
Rank and file officers voiced concern today after it emerged the PSNI has begun discussions which could see controversial Police Community Support Officers - dubbed "plastic policemen" - patrolling the streets of Northern Ireland.
The community support officers, or PCSOs, who provide back-up to regular officers, have been heavily criticised in England where they do not have the power to intervene in confrontational situations and can only detain suspects for half an hour.
The Belfast Telegraph can reveal that discussions are at "an early stage" about introducing PCSOs in the province and senior PSNI figures have visited England to watch them in action.
Police Community Support Officers were introduced by the Labour Government in 2002 to carry out a high visibility, patrolling role. There are currently 3,800 of them in England and Wales.
However, they have been mocked by opposition politicians and the English media who have dubbed them "plastic policemen".
If PCSOs were introduced in Northern Ireland it would require a change in legislation and would have to be considered by the Policing Board.
PCSOs were not in existence when the Patten Report was drafted, but the Oversight Commissioner Al Hutchinson has stated they could be an option for Northern Ireland.
But the Policing Federation, which represents rank and file officers, today reacted angrily to any possibility that PCSOs could be used in the province.
Chairman Irwin Montgomery said: "In our view this is extremely premature, the security and policing situation in Northern Ireland is not ready for PCSOs.
"We would be fearful that they could be infiltrated by paramilitaries and the whole reason for having them flies in the face of arguments for paying off so many members of the full-time reserve.
"The whole concept is a deliberate move by the Government away from mainstream policing and there has been no evaluation about how they are performing in England and Wales."
check out the full report here 13 June 2005
pcsos-national CONTINUES! click here to go to PAGE 2
An end to temporary contracts?
Cambridgeshire, Cleveland, Dorset, Durham, Essex, Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Lancashire, Norfolk, North Yorkshire, Northumbria, Surrey, Thames Valley, West Yorkshire and Wiltshire.
Merseyside, Staffordshire, Suffolk, West Mercia and West Midlands.
UNISON is therefore arguing for distinct PCSO recruitment standards, linked where appropriate to the police officer standards. Further details of this work will be provided as discussions continue.
If you are interested in joining UNISON then please visit www.unison.org.uk for more information or contact your local UNISON branch
> OCTOBER ISSUE (1 MB) < > SEPTEMBER ISSUE (4 MB) <
117 Honda Civics for MET PCSOs
August 19, 2006
Speaking at the National Association of Police Fleet Managers Conference, Stuart Middleton, Director of Transport Services at the Met Police, said the Hybrids would help "meet police requirements and at the same time fulfil social responsibility to try and make our fleet of vehicles as green as possible. The police, like many other like-minded people, want to do their bit."
Supporting role: focus on Hartlepool PCSO Kirstin
So when she first found out about the role of a police community support officer (PCSO) in October 2003 then it seemed like the perfect role for her.
After securing the post and a three-week training programme, Kirstin and work partner Graeme Handley set about pounding their beat around the Grange and Stranton wards.
"Since I have started in the role I have to say that there is never two days the same.
"From spotting a known shoplifter to helping a little old lady across the street the role is so varied."
"On a typical day I could be speaking to children or giving advice to adults.
"People would often rather speak to one of us than heading down to the police station.
"I often go to schools to talk to the children to get them on our side. We make friends with them.
"After all they are the adults of tomorrow and many of them know me by name now."
In June this year Kirstin and work partner Graeme became the only PCSOs in Cleveland to be given the District Commander's Commendation by Superintendent Dave Horner.
Not only were they the first PCSOs to receive one, it's also extremely rare for police officers themselves to be given one.
The recognition was given to the two officers after they assisted with 177 arrests from in the year beginning April 2004.
At the time their boss, Sergeant Catherine Campbell, said: "Quite simply the work of these two officers over the past 12 months has been outstanding and we felt it should be marked in some way."
With Supt Horner adding: "The work of these two officers is absolutely first class and an example for all."
She said: "I have been a horse groomer and even joined the army for a little while. And after that I travelled the world.
"But I think I have now definitely found my place."
Kirstin, who lives with her partner in Stockton, added: "Whether I make a difference in just one person's life or a few, making an impact is important to me."
MORE FROM 2005
Authority in power plea for officers Sep 23, 2005
He said: "Our police constable decided not to give police or CSOs these powers as we are supposed to be the friendly face of the police force and it could alienate the public if we were seen handing out tickets."
Members said the worst areas for parking pests were Shropshire Street and Church Street.
The full version of this story appears in Shropshire Star newspaper (Sep 23, 2005)
COMMUNITY POLICING:
Residents lash out at 'meagre' police services
04 October 2005
04 October 2005
Hospital no-go for yobs
Gangs of youths who create trouble at North Middlesex Hospital are being given their marching orders under new police powers.
PC Steve Hodgson, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, said police would also work on the initiative with surrounding housing providers aiming to root out and tackle the reasons behind the gangs' behaviour.
PC Hodgson said: "Officers won't just be there to clear the area of youths. We will be acting on intelligence to target those causing the problems.
"Acting on information from the public, there will be visible patrols and we will be working with the hospital's security staff.
"The use of dispersal zones is just one of a range of tactics we use to produce long-term sustainable solutions. This would include crime prevention design activity with our partners to help solve the problems in a particular area."
She said: "The safety of patients, staff and visitors is a top priority, and it is essential we all work together to ensure we can deliver good care in a safe environment."Retirement stays at 60
Acting Recruitment Co-ordinator at Surrey Police
The only downsides are the constant deadlines that she has to meet for interviews, or intake or course dates, and the large amount of work: “We’re inundated with applications for the PCSO courses and it’s a question of constantly keeping it all ticking over. I have to structure my day and find time to do all my other stuff as well.”
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PCSOs demand power to do job
Community support officers, who played a vital role during and after the London terrorist attacks, must be treated more professionally, said UNISON.
"PCSOs played a vital role in all the major cities and towns in the UK during the terrorist attacks," said UNISON national officer Ben Priestley." They were patrolling train stations and streets, being a visible police presence and providing public reassurance.
“They were praised for their dedication to duty. But our members feel they still need to be treated as professionals and have the proper tools to do the job.
“With all this comes a need for better training in the law and personal safety. We will be discussing these issues with the Home Office and the national training provider, Centrex,” he added.
“We still have the unacceptable situation of each force having different rates of pay for PCSOs. Some forces pay their PCSOs £3,000 less than their neighbours. We will be putting in a claim for a national rate of pay for a national role,” said Priestly.
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We will back our bobbies
A RESIDENTS' champion has leapt to the defence of neighbourhood bobbies, after a former colleague accused them of "incompetence and dishonesty".
Former Thamesmead Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Alan Hillsden has revealed how he saw bent cops skive off work and steal money and drugs.
Mr Hillsden, who patrolled Thamesmead for eight months, told the Daily Mirror on Monday he had never seen "such a culture of laziness, disinterest, incompetence and dishonesty".
He even accused his ex-colleagues of walking the streets for less than a quarter of their shift and spending the rest of the time in cafes and police canteens.
She said: "I think the officers have done bloody well for us. I was surprised when I read this in the paper.
"They get on well with people and we have an excellent relationship with them.
"They come to our meetings every other week and if we have any problems in the community they listen and take them back to their bosses."
But Mrs Cunningham, 69, who works at the centre two days a week, says she has never seen officers spend that amount of time there.
She added: "The officers are visible in the community but they have to cover a large area. They do a cracking job and we are glad to have them."
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick said: "The Metropolitan Police Service takes any allegation of corrupt practice by either police officers or PCSO's extremely seriously.
"We will be thoroughly investigating all the allegations made in the article, led by our Directorate of Professional Standards."
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I am a PCSO in Nottingham, a city of similar size and similar problems and have been for over a year. The police officers here appreciate our presence. We take a huge workload off their shoulders whilst generating little in return. Our constant presence on the streets has led to a noticeable DECLINE in general crime levels, and an increase in public praise for the police service as a whole.
Public service ethos must survive says UNISON
The recent London bombings demonstrated that Britain’s public service ethos is clearly very much alive. And the UK’s largest union, UNISON, has argued that it should not be destroyed through competition and privatisation. The union states that the Government’s obsession with choice is leading the country towards a selfish mentality, making it harder to deliver equitable, comprehensive public services for all.
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Hero bobbies save man from falling
QUICK-THINKING officers grabbed a man as he fell from an eight-storey building, writes Kelly-Ann Kiernan.
PCSOs Mark Crane and Rory Arnott were on their usual foot patrol when security staff alerted them.
"When we got there he was getting ready to jump. He was over the edge, hanging by his hands.
"As I got closer his hand just went, I lent over and quickly grabbed his hands in mid-air.
"It was just instinct.
"I had him by just one hand at first and then by two.
"He was struggling, he wanted to go and I still had hold of him.
"I thought I might not be able to hold him."
The man was taken by ambulance to the QE2 Hospital.
Mr Arnott, 18, who had only been in the job four weeks, said: "I don't know what I would have done if Mark wasn't there.
"At the time we just did what we had to do, it didn't really hit me until later."
"We are very proud of them and think they are a wonderful example of the type of service police community support officers can provide to the general public."2006 national-PCSOs CALENDAR
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But the Police Federation has attacked the plans as "extremely premature" and have warned that PCSOs could be infiltrated by paramilitaries.
They back up regular police officers by focusing on lower level crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in areas which are not considered high risk.
PCSOs are not trained to intervene in confrontational situations and can only detain suspects for half an hour while waiting for a regular police officer to arrive. They are also not permitted to use hand-cuffs.
However, it is understood that senior PSNI officers have visited England to examine pilot schemes.
A PSNI spokeswoman said: "Discussions about Police Community Support Officers are at an early stage and much more work is required before any decisions can be made.
"We are looking at good practice in England and Wales - it is incumbent on us to do so in order to ensure that we provide as effective and efficient a police service as possible.
"Obviously, the Policing Board will be involved in these discussions, as will the staff associations.
"Insofar as powers (of PCSOs) are concerned, this would be a decision to be made if it were decided to introduce PCSOs."
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