Should Audlem employ a Police Community Support Officer? New Forum.

At a recent Audlem Parish Council meeting, councillors heard a presentation on the role of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) and have been asked to consider if Audlem should employ a PCSO.. The Parish Council would like to hear your views on this proposal and a new 'Forum' will start shortly so that you can express your views on Audlem Online.

It is quite a complex issue. Employing a PCSO in Audlem would cost local Council Tax payers £11,000 a year and possibly an extra £1,000 to cover transport costs. There would be a minimum 3-year commitment. Given that taxpayers already pay for policing, should there be an additional charge for an officer that doesn't, in any case, have the same powers as a police officer. Will the presence of a PCSO put the village at risk of losing or seeing a reduction in PC Ken Maple's regular policing. How will it be paid for as there would have to be a significant increase in taxation or other services would have to be stopped? Or do you think the regular presence of a PCSO in the village would be good for Audlem?

Do let the Parish Council know what you think using the Forum which will start shortly. We will put additional information on the website about PCSO's and their role to, hopefully, make this as informed a debate as possible.

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