Essex Police PCSOs Saved From Redundancy After Government Boosts Funding

Good news! All 99 PCSOs in Essex will keep their jobs. The Home Office approved more money for Essex Police. Earlier, these officers were facing possible redundancy. Now, about 65 back-room staff positions are still at risk.

Essex will get more Neighbourhood Policing Grant money. It will increase from £2.2 million to £4.5 million. This extra funding saves the PCSO positions. The grant provides the needed financial support.

Essex residents will pay more for policing. The police precept will increase by 5.66 percent. This is about £13.95 extra per year for a Band D property. Essex Police had a £5.3 million budget problem.

Cutting all PCSO jobs seemed to be the only solution. The potential job cuts caused strong reactions. UNISON stated cuts would hurt neighbourhood policing. The Prime Minister promised more officers for neighbourhoods.

Eliminating PCSOs seemed in contradiction to this pledge. PCSOs are paid employees of Essex Police. They do not have full arrest powers. Roger Hirst worried about job cuts impacting crime. He spoke about this concern on January 28.

Hirst appreciates the panel’s tough decision. This helps keep community police resources for this year. Future challenges still exist for Essex Police. It is a positive step from the recent situation.