£340 million set aside for dedicated ‘policing teams’
The Government is to set aside £340 million over the next three years for dedicated “policing teams” in neighbourhood in England and Wales.
Prime Minister Tony Blair and Home Secretary Charles Clarke will unveil the latest pledge when they join bobbies-on-beat in south London this morning.
Labour wants 24,000 Community Support Officers (CSOs) in English and Welsh neighbourhoods by 2007/08, with local wardens and special constables playing a pivotal role in the teams.
Local police forces are being urged to be more accessible to the communities they serve, with local bobbies known to and within easy reach of residents, perceived as “respected and integral” elements of community life.
The Home Office is keen for local residents to have a “real say” in setting local policing priorities.
The Conservatives claim CSOs are a poor substitute for “real police”.
Mr Clarke said the Government and the police service were “absolutely committed” to delivering effective neighbourhood policing.
Liberal Democrats Home Affairs Spokesman Mark Oaten pledged his party would fund 10,000 extra CSOs by scrapping the “illiberal” ID cards scheme.
