News

A Kent Police report claims there is "little relationship between the presence of a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) and a reduction in crime".

The Kent Police Federation have said money is needed to be spent on "real officers".

The report stated that PCSOs did "not appear to be the best option currently for reducing negative perceptions of anti-social behaviour", although it did say the officers, which cost less than police constables, helped reduced the fear of some crimes.

Ian Pointon, the chairman of Kent Police Federation, said: "This is about the role. The role simply doesn't exist and this report shows that the role does not exist.

"It shows the experiment has failed and it should be ended before more public money is wasted. That money should be spent on real police officers."

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Harris said: "We're using PCSOs in a constructive way within our neighbourhood policing teams.

"Over time people will have seen more officers on the ground - a uniform presence - and the role of the PCSO fits into that model."


Tell us what you think?

Hawkinge has a PCSO but has been without a full-time PC for several months. Do you feel unsafe in the village and have you a fear of crime or are you satisfied with the levels of policing in Hawkinge?

Email us