Police confirm axe to fall on PCSO roles in Notts

The force announced in April that they were in looking into axing PCSOs because of tightening budget constraints.

And following extensive consultation with staff and the unions which represent them, the number will be cut to 251, from 331, for the county.

However, the number subject to redundancy is 44, with the remainder having already left or in the process of leaving.

A police spokesman said: “This was a difficult decision to make as we recognise the important job PCSOs do in serving our communities.

“We also acknowledge and are grateful for the public support our PCSOs received.

“However, the financial pressure that the force is under means that we have to work differently and make these decisions in order for us to continue serving the public in the best way we can.

“Neighbourhood Policing is the bedrock of our policing and we are determined to deliver a first rate service to all of our communities.”

The police say that every community will still have a neighbourhood policing team, but it will have a different mix – including officers, PCSOs, Specials, and police partners.

They added: “By working more closely with our partners we can ensure that you are dealt with by the right person, in the right place, at the right time.

“Our new model will allow us to make sure that our PCSOs are in the places where they are needed most.

“This will allow us to serve the public in the most effective way.”

The review of the PCSOs has been part of the force’s change programme, which has encompassed a comprehensive review of our service to take account of the changing face of crime and policing – with an increased focus on cyber-crime, child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. This has happened while having to respond to financial challenges so that we can continue to serve the public in the most effective way, while continuing to reduce crime.