500 signatures reached
To: Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner
Keep Cheshire Safe – Save Our PCSOs
Cheshire Police has announced plans to save money by cutting almost 70% of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in the new year, threatening them with redundancy in the lead up to Christmas.
UNISON is calling on Cheshire Police to reverse plans to cut PCSOs where you live, in order to keep your local community safe and protect the jobs of these hard-working police staff. It is estimated that these plans will result in over 100,000 hours per annum less policing on the Cheshire patch!
Have your voice heard as a concerned resident and send a letter demanding Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price save our PCSOs.
Why is this important?
PCSOs are the feet on the beat. They are police staff who serve as a direct link between the local community and the police. They deter anti-social behaviour, provide a visible police presence on the streets, gather intelligence and work with partners like schools and businesses to keep communities safe.
Cheshire Police say this work will be carried out by other officers who are already over-stretched. UNISON fears this will result in a huge cut to police presence and boots on the ground in our communities, putting the safety of our local area at risk.
Moreover, there will be a significant reduction in vital civic engagement programmes ran in schools which help our children understand the importance of being responsible members of the community.
What do residents of Cheshire think?
What do residents of Cheshire think?
“You offer a key point of contact for issues and concerns and support us with events, ongoing issues and key sign posting to external agencies when needed. Without your support & knowing the community so well, would leave a huge gap in communication with the local community and connection to further support. You know a lot of the families & have built up so many positive relationships which is crucial to gaining positive outcomes at the earliest opportunity.” - Education Family Support Worker in a Cheshire school
“The PCSO and the mini police programme has helped me to increase my confidence along with team building skills and has shaped more creative opportunities for all of us as a group and will inspire generations ahead. So please carry on with the programme and inspiring children to be responsible citizens of our local community.” - Year 5 primary school student, Cheshire West
“After living next door to neighbours who have been committing ASB and other crimes over the last two years our PCSO has been invaluable. They have kept regularly updated with progress on the case and worked very closely with the housing trust in helping us to escalate the case when needed. They have reassured us and given us faith in the police with their actions.” - Cheshire West resident