Community bobbies facing the chop were promised protection by their police chief and to match his words with action, he joined them on a walkabout through Leighton yesterday.
Community bobbies facing the chop were promised protection by their police chief and to match his words with action, he joined them on a walkabout through Leighton today.
Beds Police and Crime Commissioner Olly Martins met Leighton’s Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to talk first-hand about local policing needs and how their work is helping to combat crime and anti-social behaviour. Ahead of the visit, Mr Martins said: “It has become abundantly clear to me just how valued PCSOs are in the communities they serve and how their presence contributes to feelings of safety and wellbeing for residents, particularly in rural areas.
“Public confidence is as important to policing as reducing offences and has a positive effect on quality of life. It is clear PCSOs are playing a key role in reassurance and reducing the fear of crime.”
Government cuts to the main policing grant means Beds Police face a funding gap of about £7m over the next three years, but saving the PCSOs will come at a cost to the council tax payer.
Mr Martins said: “This small rise will help protect this highly respected element of local policing, while helping to ensure that we continue to make residents feel safe.”
> Full reaction to Mr Martins’ visit in next week’s LBO.