What use are PCSOs?

[Dorsetmike]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1563825/Boys-drowning-prompts-call-to-scrap-PCSOs.html

PCSO = Police Community Support Officer, what are they allowed to do -

http://www.policecommunitysupportofficer.com/welcome.html

So it should be a good idea, but doesn't seem to be working, especially as they are now going to further reduce the real police force numbers, (locally by 20%!!)

 

[teddy]

We would be better off keeping our tax money and buying a 38. Smith and Wesson. We so rarely see any police or anyone else for that matter and when we do they are either handing out propaganda about minorities or prosecuting someone for thought crime. The whole bunch of them are a waste of time. My grandfather (25 years with the Met) must be spinning in his grave.

teddy

 

[marval]

I am sure there is one in my area, but I don't remember seeing them. I thought at first they would be a good idea, but when I found out they had no powers, there seemed little point.

 

[John Watt]

Some people in Welland, Ontario, are upset with local police and their new activities.
They're riding around on bicycles, not approaching streets or residences in cars,
what is being seen as not fair, changing the playing field, in uniform or out.

 

[teddy]

Quite a few of them are doing that over here John. I believe that the theory is that they are out among the people but can cover more distance than a foot patrol. Ming you I was used to seeing that as a kid in Wales. Plus of course it must help keep them fit, rather than sitting in a car eating doughnuts

teddy