'The proposals reflect demand, allowing PCSOs to be in right places at the right times'

STAFFORDSHIRE'S POLICE COMMISSIONER DEFENDS PCSO EVENING PATROL CUTS

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STAFFORDSHIRE'S police and crime commissioner has defended controversial proposals to change PCSO shift patterns.

Ben Adams says the county force's plan to reduce PCSO evening patrols and increase day shifts, with the last shifts ending at 9pm instead of 10pm, will allow the support officers to be 'in the right places at the right times'.

The proposals have attracted criticism from union representatives and local politicians, who claim that they will leave communities exposed during the evenings, with PCSOs themselves losing pay.

Labour councillors and MPs have called on the Conservative commissioner to reconsider the changes.

But Mr Adams, above, insists the proposals are supported by evidence, and will help Staffordshire Police get the best value out of its staff.