PCSOs

[Coldicote]

It looks as though Police Community Support Officers could disappear as part of spending cuts? The possibility has been suggested in Lancashire and other places? What would be your reaction and who would then police our streets?

[Gromit]

On the contrary. They will cut the number of real police officers because they are very well paid, and replace them with these cheap useless rejects. There will be more of them, not less.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Gromit is spot on..all skilled/trained workers are being replaced with a 'plastic' alternative ie, teachers, firemen,nurses.plumbers, electricians, etc

[Coldicote]

Gromit and Bright Spark, I suggest you Google 'Lancashire PCSOs'. It looks as though there could be fewer - perhaps none left - rather than more as you suggest. Have a look at http://www.bbc.co.uk/...d-lancashire-11608639 I have met several PCSOs and find them very conscientious and doing a good job. It concerns me to think what would happen without them and I certainly don't go along with your derogatory remarks.

[boxtops]

I haven't seen a CPSO round here - not in our road - for about 2 years.

[Gromit]

From The Spectator (aright wing magazine):

// The coalition recognises that the number of paid police will diminish over the next five years. The government hopes to make up the difference with special constables, the police equivalent of the Territorial Army, who have the great advantage that they are not usually paid. //

http://www.spectator....forms-will-fail.thtml

I repeat, less real police, more cheap amateurs.

[askyourgran]

They have no powers of arrest or any real function, If they stop someone they have to wait until a real policeman comes. I know we need a prescence on the streets to combat crime but these people are quite ineffectual.

[Coldicote]

There are numerous tasks PCSOs can perform, probably varying from Force to Force. To list a few where I live, these include confiscating alcohol or tobacco from young persons; carrying out road checks and traffic direction; issuing fixed penalty notices; removal of abandoned vehicles; seizure of vehicles driven in a way to cause alarm; specific powers to stop and search under Terrorism law. A search of the internet will reveal more details.

[Gromit]

There is a difference between CAN perform and DO perform.

[Coldicote]

CAN or DO is often a matter of discretion depending on circumstances - same goes for fully fledged police officers. Our local PCSOs DO issue fixed penalty notices, confiscate alcohol and cigarettes, and warn youngsters about anti-social behaviour, visiting their parents if necessary.

[youngmafbog]

Bet that worries alot of people; a plastic Bobby appearing on theri doorstep.

I suspect in some areas some Chief constables will go out of their way to prove a point and get rid of real Police. This always happens. Up to the Government to control it.

[Coldicote]

My question was 'What would be your reaction (if PCSOs disappeared) and who would then police our streets?' No-one has really answered the question.