Press Release

First housing association in Essex to give funding for Police Community Safety Officers

12/10/2004
Ref: pr 0055

CHP will be the first housing association in Essex to step in with funding for extra Police Community Safety Officers (PCSOs). Funding comes as part of CHP's long-term commitment to deal with antisocial behaviour and respond to residents needs.

"Crime and nuisance are a priority for PCSOs, although regular meetings with residents highlighted vandalism, litter and dogs as the most common problems on estates," said Nigel Perks, Head of Housing at CHP. "PCSOs have powers to tackle these issues. Apart from their visible presence, they can hand out on-the-spot fines and start prosecution proceedings."

The agreement displays excellence in partnership working. CHP and the Government will provide equal funding for two PCSOs, Essex police will manage them, and Chelmsford Borough Council have stepped in with funds for the PCSOs cars. "It's important to CHP that we continue to make a difference to neighbourhoods," said Nigel. "We're keen to work together so we can provide flexible services that address the problems at the heart of the communities we serve."

"In Essex we have evidence that PSCOS have spent over 60% of their time on visible patrol," said Neil Murray Chelmsford Section and Community Safety Inspector from Essex Police. "That's a huge increase on what PC's are able to achieve. PCSOs are a valuable addition to the service we provide to communities."

Over the next three years, CHP will provide a total of £75,000 for the two posts. The new PCSOs are currently undergoing training and will be out and about on estates by Christmas. PCSOs will report back to CHP at regular meetings and can be moved to different areas to respond to the needs of individual neighbourhoods.

"Flexible schemes like these are so important to local communities," said Lead Cabinet Councillor for Leisure, Youth and Community Safety, Maureen Moulds. "Previous schemes have produced excellent results for the people of Chelmsford. Residents are very accepting of PCSOs and they're keen to discuss issues in order to get results."

ENDS

Editor's notes:

• Forty-five extra PCSOs are being recruited in the county of Essex - nine for Chelmsford.
• The ODPM's' PCSO initiative was introduced in 2000 and initially had £18.5m funding available for a total of 84 schemes. Responsibility for funding now lies solely with the schemes themselves.
• PCSOs help reduce antisocial behaviour by being a highly visible, semi official uniformed police presence. According to national research, they have cut crime and fear of crime by nearly 28%.
• Contact: Victoria Norton on 01245 613111 or victoria.norton@chelmerhp.org.uk