Welcoming 18 PCSOs to Durham Constabulary, PCC Joy Allen said that their recruitment highlighted her commitment to a strong local police presence.
“The public have made it clear to me that Neighbourhood Policing is their top priority, so I have made it mine too,” said the Commissioner. “If we are to increase the public’s trust and confidence in policing, we have to listen and respond to what they tell us.
“That’s exactly what I did in my first term of Office and as I develop my new Police and Crime Plan, I want them to know that it will be shaped by the public, for the public.
“PCSOs are a vital part of our local policing teams and I recognise, from the feedback I receive, that the public value them very highly. It is also a great job,with a different challenge every day.
“I know some people use it as a springboard to become a police officer, while others simply want to be part of the local police family. Whichever, I want all our PCSOs to know I support them and their role and value the job they do.”
Ends
With the impact of an increase in vehicle crime across the country, PCC Joy Allen explains in her own words what this means
Joy Allen speaks frankly about the decision to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners
“Abolishing PCCs would remove the public’s only direct say in policing governance".