Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) play a fundamental role in providing the community reassurance that Safer, Stronger Neighbourhoods is designed to deliver, with a target of 95 per cent of each shift spent on foot patrol.

Their remit is to support the work of the beat manager and local partners in tackling low level crime and disorder. This is delivered through high visibility policing, meeting with local businesses and community groups to gather intelligence and share ideas on the best solutions to local problems.

PCSOs have been designated with powers by the Chief Constable designed to allow them to deal with low-level offences in non-confrontational situations.

Home Office evaluation of the role of PCSOs has shown they are well-known to the community and that residents and businesses feel they have made a real impact in their area, in particular tackling youth disorder and anti-social behaviour.

Many members of the public reported finding PCSOs more accessible than police officers and that, as such, they were more likely to report issues and pass on information to them.