Do we need a two-tier policing system in the UK? The introduction of poorly-trained Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) masquerading as police officers by wearing a similar uniform is effectively deceiving the public. PCSOs have little powers to do anything, usually patrol in groups of two or three and, to put it bluntly, are a total waste of public funds.
The Metropolitan Police Service Training School educates new intakes over 16 weeks to the highest levels required such that they can serve the community effectively on graduation. Not only can these officers deal with most problems presented, but also their powers vastly exceed those of PCSOs. With a three-year waiting list, there’s no shortage of applicants to join the police service.
Those officers who pass through the Training School will continue their education. They will go into the Special Branch, CID and the Crime Squads and become very experienced investigators. Some will be the future leaders of the police service.
Police officers learn their role on the streets, communicating with the public and businesses and finding out how to spot local criminals and youngsters who seem destined for a life of crime. This period of their service is invaluable, and really serves to map out their future career in the law enforcement sector.
When speaking with police officers, the general consensus of opinion seems to be that PCSOs are undermining the community’s view of an efficient police force. The Home Office proposes to employ and deploy yet more PCSOs, but in years to come this will have a knock-on effect in that there will be too few fully-trained police officers left to deal with major incidents.
The current difference in rates of pay between PCSOs and fully-fledged officers is minimal. Police officers start on GB pound 27,400, with 22 days’ annual leave and a housing allowance of GB pound 5,126 per annum. PCSOs start on GB pound 21,693, and are allocated a shift disturbance allowance of 12.5% to 20% depending on their shift pattern. In addition, a location allowance of GB pound 3,053 is paid (inner zone), or GB pound 1,625 for the outer zone. They also receive 30 days’ paid holiday each year.
The Police Federation should be taking the lead on this hugely important issue before it’s too late. For their part, ratepayers ought to be asking serious questions about why they are being charged for what is plainly a sub-standard policing system.
I for one would like to see more fully-trained police officers on the streets.
John Legge
Director
PCL Whitehall Security Group
