The decision to eliminate all 99 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Essex has drawn criticism from several Labour MPs, despite the availability of an additional £24.9 million in funding from the Labour Government. Roger Hirst, the police and crime commissioner, attributes the cuts to insufficient government funding, claiming a £5.3 million funding gap remains even after raising taxpayer precepts. The Labour MPs argue that the cuts undermine neighbourhood policing at a time when public trust in police is essential. They are urging Hirst to reconsider his decision and engage in discussions surrounding potential alternatives.
Despite the additional funding made available to Essex Police, Roger Hirst has made the decision to cut neighbourhood policing at a time of rising distrust of policing.
Mr. Hirst, the Conservative candidate for the position, says he has been forced to reduce staff numbers, cut all PCSOs, and request the maximum increase to their precept from taxpayers in Essex due to an inadequate government funding settlement.
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