13 per cent drop in neighbourhood crime recorded in Staffordshire as PCSO shift times change
Shift patterns for Staffordshire's police community support officers (PCSOs) have been changed after a force review which attracted criticism.
Concerns were raised by unions, MPs and councillors over the proposals to reduce evening patrols and have PCSOs finish work at 9pm instead of 10pm.
Staffordshire Police said following consultation with its PCSOs and the union UNISON a refined working pattern will come into effect next summer.
The force said the updated pattern will see half of the community officers working until 7pm and the other half working until 9pm. It insisted that the number of working hours during the week will remain the same with no reductions to their hours to ensure that neighbourhood teams were visible during the busiest periods of the day.
"Over the coming weeks PCSOs will receive individual one-to-ones and partners and stakeholders will be kept informed. This ensures everyone who works with us has the latest information to support their conversations with residents and local organisations," it stated.
"Neighbourhood policing has evolved significantly since the introduction of PCSOs some 20 years ago. Crime types have changed and demand now looks very different. The new pattern will allow us to match that modern picture of demand more closely and for us to continue delivering on the priorities set out in the Policing Plan.
"It’s a practical step that fits with the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee’s focus on putting officers and PCSOs where people need them the most
"As part of the development of the role we will also be training our PCSOs in statement taking for crimes like shoplifting, strengthening how the whole neighbourhood policing teams work together.
"Like all forces nationally we face financial pressures and must manager our resources carefully. We have been open about our need to find £9m savings in this financial year and £11m in 2026. These proposals help us meet that responsibility without reducing visibility, compromising public confidence or limiting the support we provide to communities.
"Over the coming weeks PCSOs will receive individual one-to-ones and partners and stakeholders will be kept informed. This ensures everyone who works with us has the latest information to support their conversations with residents and local organisations," the force added.
It said the county had recorded a13 per cent drop in neighbourhood crime so far this year and 53 extra neighbourhood officers had been appointed. The force employs the equivalent of 166.8 full-time PCSOs, 216 neighbourhood police officers and 93 special constables.
