Due to a substantial funding shortfall of £5.3 million, Essex Police is set to make all 99 of its PCSOs redundant, as well as up to 60 civilian staff. Roger Hirst, the police and crime commissioner for Essex, has voiced concerns about the implications of these cuts on crime-fighting capabilities. Despite a government announcement of new funding intended to bolster community policing, the local force faces reduced resources, undermining the government's aims of enhancing neighborhood safety. Hirst emphasized the valuable role of PCSOs in local intelligence and community reassurance, expressing frustration over the conflicting government funding strategy.
We have made the point this directly cuts across the government commitment to safer streets, one of their big missions. And they are talking about wanting to see 13,000 more people in neighbourhood policing. But, the funding they are giving us means we will be downsizing neighbourhood policing.
The PCSOs are the eyes and ears. They offer reassurance. They are a lot of the local intelligence. They do a valuable job. But in the end, police constables have more powers.
This funding shortfall of 5.3 million creates a paradox as we aim to strengthen neighbourhood policing while having to make drastic cuts.
The cut reverses year-on-year investment, which Mr Hirst said has enabled significant growth in Essex Police.
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