PCSOs are an integral part of the wider policing family, providing high-visibility patrolling and offering reassurance to local communities as part of neighbourhood policing teams. The poster advertising campaign will run in ten cities across England and Wales and is backed by major TV, radio, and print adverts.
Announcing the posters the Home Secretary called on members of the public in Nottingham to join the growing numbers of PCSOs signing up to play a vital role in helping to combat low level crime and anti-social behaviour.
The Home Secretary said:
"The police family has never been bigger. However, while maintaining an historic number of police officers, we want even more keen and willing people to join the wider crime fighting team as PCSOs - making our streets and communities safer.
"Police Community Support Officers have been a welcome addition to our communities. They play a critical role in neighbourhood policing and have had a major impact. Their uniformed presence on our streets makes a real difference in driving down low-level crime and anti-social behaviour. If you think you could play a major part in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in your area by being a part of Neighbourhood Policing Teams, we want to hear from you."
Association of Chief Police Officers spokesman, Chief Constable Steve Finnigan said:
"PCSOs are an integral part of Neighbourhood Policing Teams and we recognise the real benefits that recruiting more into the service can bring. They provide an invaluable opportunity to engage with local people, provide reassurance and tackle, along with our partners, those crimes and anti-social behaviour which really impact on people's day to day lives.
"The value of PCSOs is in providing visible reassurance, and a familiar face that understands the concerns of communities. They act as the eyes and ears of the police service in the heart of our communities and that vital role should not be underestimated. Recruiting more PCSOs will help to ensure that the police service can continue to make in-roads into preventing, tackling and detecting crime and disorder which is why the recruitment campaign being launched today is welcomed by ACPO."
