'Don't cut police support officers' call

Community support officers are more valuable to the community than police dogs, horses and the force helicopter, according to a former member of Humberside Police Authority.

Coun Bob Tress is asking for assurances from Humberside Police Authority that numbers of PCSOs will not fall in the impending round of budget cuts.

There are currently 321 PCSOs in East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, as well as 2032 police officers and 1847 police staff.

Coun Tress, who will be asking for the authority’s support from its chairman Coun Chris Matthews at a meeting of East Riding Council next week, said: “Most people’s connection with the police is through things like criminal damage, anti-social behaviour, petty stuff and all that and it’s PCSOs who deal with these things and make people’s lives bearable.

“I would much rather not have horses and dogs and helicopters than lose PCSOs.”

Coun Matthews said PCSOs would “definitely not” be the first thing to go.

Responding to concerns raised during an online session in which he took questions from the public, Coun Matthews said: “Frontline policing is one of my priorities and is also the priority for the Home Secretary. PCSOs are the very front of the frontline policing. Whilst I cannot guarantee that thePCSOs will not be cut, they will definitelynot be the first thing to go.”

The online Big Conversation continues on Monday when the authority’s lead member for Hull Coun Sam Hull will be logging on between 4pm and 8pm and chatting live to residents about policing. John Bates, the Authority’s Deputy Chief Executive and Treasurer, will also be on hand to answer questions. People can also take part in an online survey at www.humberside-pa.org.uk.