Study shows PCSOs tackle and lower rates of crime

The introduction of police community support officers (PCSOs) into a local area results in lower rates of crime, a study has revealed.

Kent Police Chief Constable, Michael Fuller says that this is evidence that PCSOs tackle real crime and are helping police and their partners to get to grips with the quality-of-life issues that matter to the communities they serve.

The PCSOs have had a positive impact on key crime types examined in the study, which was commissioned by the Chief Constable and carried out by Dr Vicki Harrington, the force's Head of Strategic Research and Development.

The study showed PCSOs are particularly successful in reducing vehicle crime and criminal damage, especially to street furniture, buildings and vehicles.

Vehicle crime fell by nearly 19 per cent in the six areas evaluated in the study, more than double the rate of reduction for the force as a whole. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the amount of criminal damage recorded.

The study looked at the impact of both urban and rural PCSOs, who were recruited since 2003/4 under the Home Office funding arrangements. PCSOs are funded by local partnerships involving Kent Police, the Home Office, and a variety of partners, including unitary, county, district and parish councils, schools and Housing Associations.

Throughout Kent there are now 108 PCSOs working for the community, in the countryside and towns, sometimes based in schools and community centres. They are joined by 221 neighbourhood police officers, 85 special constables and more than 100 council wardens.