PCSO changes could leave communities exposed - MP

Plans to scale back late-night patrols by police community support officers (PCSOs) could leave communities "exposed", an MP has said.

Staffordshire Police announced it was looking at introducing new shift patterns for its PCSOs, which would see more officers working during the day and the latest shift ending at 21:00, instead of 22:00.

Dr Allison Gardner, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said the changes could impact neighbourhood safety and undermine public confidence.

Staffordshire Police said the review was "data driven" and the changes would mean a stronger police presence during busier times of the day.

Dr Gardner said she had been contacted by PCSOs, other police staff and residents who were concerned about the changes.

"PCSOs are the eyes and ears of our communities. Their visibility and local knowledge are essential to keeping our neighbourhoods safe," she said.

"Reducing hours or changing their roles would leave communities exposed, increase pressure on already stretched officers and undermine public confidence."

Staffordshire Police said PCSOs would continue to work across a full range of hours with some shifts ending at 19:00 and some continuing until 21:00.

A spokesperson said the role had not been comprehensively reviewed since it was introduced 20 years ago, adding that both crime and policing had changed significantly over that period.

"These proposed shift patterns have been designed around when our communities need us the most and will ensure that visible neighbourhood policing remains at the heart of what we do," they said.

"This review supports our commitment to delivering the neighbourhood policing guarantee, ensuring every community continues to have a dedicated, visible and accessible policing presence."

The force said aligning its resources in this way would strengthen visibility in town centres, retail areas and community spaces, where issues like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour "have the greatest impact".

"The review is data driven and evidence-based, reflecting changes in crime types, community demand and modern policing methods," the spokesperson added.

The Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams has been approached for comment.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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