Avon & Somerset PCSOs numbers slashed as Adam Dance calls on Government to back community policing

60 police community support officers (PCSOs) have been taken off streets in Avon & Somerset in just one year, new Home Office statistics have revealed, as Adam Dance urges the Government to back community policing.  

The new workforce statistics showed the number of full-time equivalent PCSOs in each police force as of September 2024, compared to September 2023.

A shocking 235 PCSOs have been cut across England and Wales in that time period - with 150 officers being cut in the six months since March 2024.

Avon & Somerset lost 60 in just 12 months - a decrease of 19%.

Across the South West, 77 PCSOs were slashed in just 12 months - plummeting by 10%.

The new statistics come less than two months after the Government announced its new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which included a pledge to recruit additional PCSOs.

PCSO numbers were ruthlessly slashed under the previous Conservative government - taking over 4,500 PCSOs off the streets since 2015.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and focused on their local neighbourhoods.

Commenting, Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil said: 

“The Conservatives decimated local policing. Cuts to community support officers who play a vital role on the frontlines in keeping our communities safe has been totally unacceptable. 

“The new government has promised to fix this. We need evidence that this is going to happen urgently. 

“Liberal Democrats will hold this government to account to ensure they implement the proper neighbourhood policing they have promised. That means more bobbies on the beat, doing what works to stop and solve crime in our communities.”