A new PCSO role is proposed as part of changes to Neighbourhood Policing, which will ensure that local police services can be made more effective.

The revised role, part of the Local Policing Programme, aims to equip the officers with a wider range of skills to prevent crime and solve local problems, with partners where possible.


PCSOs are being consulted on the proposal which will make them part of a wider prevention team, actively prioritising those who are vulnerable and addressing community concerns.

The Local Policing Programme aims to provide an affordable, resilient model of local policing in Sussex and it is proposed that PCSOs will:

- be deployed more flexibly in teams to vulnerable locations across Sussex assessed on the level of threat, risk and harm.
- have an increased focus on prevention and problem solving, rather than predominantly on reassurance.
- be equipped with a range of skills to enable them to resolve problems and prevent crime and disorder, alongside partners.
- have additional powers to enter certain licensed premises and enforce certain licensing offences, in order to address the selling of alcohol to those under age, street drinkers and people who are drunk.
- be issued with body worn cameras and have enhanced staff safety training.
- provide a tailored approach to the specific needs of communities and neighbourhoods.

 

ACC Robin Smith said: "We are now consulting with our PCSO colleagues on the proposed design; which has taken several months to develop. The views of our PCSOs, along with those of their supervisors and partners regarding current working practices, future deployment and opportunities for further partnership working have informed the design of the new role.

 

"It gives us a real opportunity to make PCSOs more effective and equip them with the skills they require to resolve local problems and prevent crime and disorder.

 

"The design is part of a broader need to transform neighbourhood and local policing, making the role more responsive, with greater responsibility and capability to solve local problems. We can not however shy away from the fact that there are fewer PCSOs in the new model.

 

"The proposed number has been based on analysis of the demands on the role and provides the minimum number required for the future model.

 

"While we will not have a physical policing presence in every geographic location we will deliver services that are proportionate to the levels of threat, risk and harm and the public in each ward will have a team to contact rather than an individually named PCSO.

 

"It is important to stress that we are now in consultation with our staff about the proposed new model, and this consultation period runs until mid February."