Chief inspector reveals challenge maintaining PCSO numbers

A senior policing figure has revealed the challenge faced in maintaining the number of police community support officers (PCSOs) covering the county borough.

The amount of full time PCSOs responsible for reducing anti-social behaviour and crime across the area currently stands at 44.

While the figure is four more than required, Chief Inspector Mark Williams said future losses were expected due to some progressing to become police officers, which would grant them wider powers.

Chief Insp Williams said new PCSOs would be recruited to fill vacant positions, but stressed the importance of taking on the right candidates.

His comments were made in an update on the performance of PCSOs provided to Wrexham Council, which funds four of the posts.

He said: “The challenge to maintain PCSO numbers is set to continue as a result of the planned increase in officer recruitment over the next three years.

“PCSO recruitment will reflect this but it is essential that the quality of recruitment remains high.

“Inspectors have agreed to update councils as part of a communications strategy of any significant issues effecting communities where long term absence occurs.

“Local arrangements are made by the district inspectors and safer neighbourhood team policing sergeants to ensure that where there is a temporary absence cover is provided by colleagues from within the wider neighbourhood policing team.”

He added: “North Wales Police commit to maintaining the four funded posts in the community safety team.

“Where vacancies are predicted here, other PCSOs are moved across to back-fill to ensure continuity and value for money for Wrexham Council.”

Chief Inspector Williams said the force had recently lost a number of PCSOs who had successfully become officers and the turnover was expected to continue.

He said there would be a new intake of PCSOS in May and October this year with training due to take place in Llay.

In 2018, the local authority went ahead with plans to reduce the number of PCSOs it funds from nine down to four, despite the chief inspector warning it would have a negative impact on frontline policing.

During 2019/20, it provided almost £136,000 towards the four roles, which are allocated to different areas based on deprivation levels.

In a report, Cllr Hugh Jones, the council’s lead member for community safety, said: “North Wales Police continue to have responsibility for employing the PCSOs and managing their workload on a daily/weekly basis according to demand in the community.

“However, the council has an input into the service they deliver through the community safety team and their partnership work with North Wales Police.

“Their work is also influenced by issues arising from the Vulnerable Adult Risk Management Group, a multi-agency operational group which meets on a monthly basis to discuss identified people, places or properties that have been referred by members of the group because they are causing significant community safety issues.

“The arrangement is flexible as the four PCSOs are deployed where there is greatest demand.”

An update on the performance of PCSOs in Wrexham will be discussed by members of the council’s safeguarding, communities and well-being scrutiny committee at a meeting on Wednesday .

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme)