New PCSO patrols help reduce crime and fear of crime, says MPA HR Chair

34/04
28 April 2004

The introduction of Police Community Support Officers across London boroughs is increasing public reassurance, tackling anti-social behaviour and strengthening central London against the terrorist threat, a conference in London will be told this evening.

Rachel Whittaker, chair of the human resources committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority, will tell the Building a Safer London conference that the introduction of the PCSO uniformed patrols has been one of the most radical changes to policing in London since the Met was formed in 1829.

She will say:

“The 1500 PCSOs in London now routinely patrol boroughs, transport systems, royal parks and undertake anti-terrorist security patrols with regular officers in central London.

“Londoners are already seeing the benefits of more visible uniformed patrols and feel safer as a result. The latest end of year crime figures released today by the Met show that street crime and burglaries are declining, with the number of burglaries at a 29-year low.

“Nuisance crimes, such as vandalism and other anti-social acts are also falling as more uniformed patrols on our streets and in our neighbourhoods take effect and deter criminal activity.

“PCSOs have also been a catalyst for change across the Metropolitan Police Service. The job has terms and conditions that reflect the needs of 21st century policing, not a 19th century civil service, including more flexible and family-friendly working practices.

“And most importantly, we have been able to recruit a workforce that is significantly more diverse in terms of ethnicity, gender and age than all other MPS staff. Some 35% of PCSO recruits are from minority ethnic communities and 26% are women. The challenge for the Met and the MPA is to replicate this success with police officer recruitment.”

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