More PCSOs make Bristol safer

Release Date:  06-Jul-2009

Over 40 new Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are now patrolling the streets of Bristol thanks to £1. 2 million pounds worth of funding from Bristol City Council. This increases the numbers of PCSOs to 132 in the city, meaning that the number of PCSOs in the city has grown by over a third.

Councillor Gary Hopkins, the city council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Community, said: " This extra Council funding to radically increase the number of PCSOs across the city - together with more funding for safer homes vans and community safety officers - demonstrates our commitment to work with the other partners to make Bristol a safer city. But the money is only part of the story. What is essential is the extra training and joint tasking that allows the formation of fully effective and responsive joint neighbourhood teams."

"This increase is only one of the practical police and Bristol City Council joint schemes at present that are showing results. The police in Bristol recently supported the trading standards' Scambusters team in making arrests for suspected pyramid selling for example." said Cllr Hopkins.

He also cited the joint police and trading standards' doorstep crime investigation team, launched last month, which is tackling both rogue traders and distraction burglary.

"This should make the work of both agencies very much more effective since there is a clear link between both crimes and often the same offenders are committing both, added Cllr Hopkins"

Police applaud council for its support

Assistant Chief Constable John Long said "I applaud Bristol City Council for providing us with the funding for this additional resource and I believe it clearly demonstrates their commitment to making Bristol a safer city.

"Having 40 new PCSOs will enable us to have a more visible presence on the streets and to provide a better service to the people of Bristol.

"PCSOs are an important resource within the police force. Their work improves the quality of life in the local community at grass roots level and their visibility offers greater public reassurance."

The PCSOs play a vital role in policing Bristol and help to combat key problem areas such as anti-social behaviour and underage drinking freeing up police officers to deal with other issues.

The extra officers are based across the Bristol area to ensure maximum impact and provide a uniformed presence in key areas.

Author:  Vicky O'Loughlin at Safer Bristol on 0117 914 2222

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