PCC grilled over cost-cutting plan for local policing

CHESHIRE'S police and crime panel has quizzed commissioner Dan Price over proposals which could see up to 60 police community support officer (PCSO) roles axed across the county.

- BY BELINDA RYAN

Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price

The constabulary has launched an internal consultation to save £13m over the next four years through reducing PCSOs and redistributing warranted police officers into neighbourhood policing teams.

At a meeting of the police and crime panel, PCC (police and crime commissioner) Mr Price told members the number of officers in neighbourhood policing was to increase from 251 to 327.

“The precise number of PCSOs as part of that mix is yet to be decided but I must reassure panel members and residents that I am committed to delivering my promise, as set out in the police and crime plan, of ensuring a named PC or PCSO for every ward in Cheshire,” said Mr Price.

“I want to be clear, we are increasing the size of neighbourhood policing in Cheshire.

“I am holding the chief constable to account in this area and will continue to scrutinise how community policing is delivered.”