NEIGHBOURHOOD policing in Cheshire is working.
That’s the view of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) after confirming how the hard work of officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) at Cheshire Constabulary has improved the public’s confidence in the force.
HMIC also says the constabulary and the county police authority which controls its budget have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the neighbourhood policing by investing in 35 extra officers.
Graeme Gerrard, Cheshire’s acting chief constable, said: “We have invested a significant number of resources into neighbourhood policing and the HMIC report reflects this. We welcome feedback and positive responses like this are greatly appreciated.”
He added: “We believe the public appreciate having local policing in their area solving the problems which affect them. This style of policing has to be maintained and build on the firm foundations set to make neighbourhood policing even more effective and tackle the issues affecting the public such as anti-social behaviour to an even better level.”
Mr Gerrard also praised PCSOs for their big contribution to neighbourhood policing improvements.
He said: “Feedback from the public is very positive with regard to PCSOs, not only having a presence in the community but also in playing an important role in gathering local information which support policing processes. There is no doubt that these additional officers on patrol have increased public reassurance and increased their confidence in policing.”
This feeling is reflected in the report which says that 52% of the public think their local police do a good or excellent job, compared with 43% in 2006.
