Hinckley Lib Dems back PCSOS

Cllr David Bill, deputy leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Council successfully moved the following Motion at last night's Council meeting -

"This Council recognises the vital role played by Police Community Support Officers in the upkeep of law and order and urges both the County Council and the incoming Police & Crime Commissioner to ensure that they are retained in full despite the difficult financial situation."

In moving the Motion David Bill said

"Police Community Support Officers were introduced a few years ago in order to supplement the strength of the Beat Officers. They have become a valuable and valued asset in the community providing an additional visible presence and help to the regular force. Their role has been recognised as an essential means of delivering Neighbourhood Policing and this has been underlined in a recent policy statement issued by the Chief Constable.

PCSOs have been funded partly by the Home Office and partly by the Police Authority. In our case the County Council has up till now been making a major contribution to the Police Authority towards the cost of providing the service.

The problem now is that the County Council intends to start withdrawing its contribution. The danger is that this will send a signal to the new Police Commissioner that PCSOs are no longer regarded as valuable in the County area including Hinckley & Bosworth.

There is thus a very real danger to the continued provision of this most essential service, a view shared by the many hundreds of people have who been in touch with us over the issue.

I ask for the support of this Council."

The Motion was agreed. All Liberal Democrats in favour. All Conservatives abstained.