Nearly a quarter of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) across the county are set to lose their jobs as £2.8 million cuts hit local policing in Nottinghamshire.
Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire Police Crime Commissioner (PCC), has informed staff of the cuts which will lead to the loss of 72 PCSOs in the year 2015-2016.
UNISON, one of the UK’s largest trade unions, is strongly opposed to the cuts and is urging for the decision to be reconsidered.
There are concerns about the effect the cuts will impost on vital community policing in the county.
Head of police and justice for the East Midlands at UNISON, Dave Ratchford, said:
“UNISON will be campaigning vigorously against these cuts. We sympathise with the Force as these cuts have been imposed by a Government driven by a fanatical opposition to public services, but we are equally aware that the PCC’s own consultations show 67% of residents said they would be willing to pay more for policing and 82% did not support local policing cuts.”
The trade union is urging local communities to contact the PCC and local government officials to stress their opposition of the cuts and join UNISON in campaigning against them.
UNISON branch secretary, Ash Morley, said:
“These cuts will leave most of Nottinghamshire with only half of their current PCSOs, which can only have a huge detrimental effect on local community policing.
“The clue is in the job title: Police Community Support Officer.”
Those interested in campaigning against the cuts are encouraged to contact UNISON at Police and Justice Team, UNISON East Midlands Regional Centre, Vivian Avenue, Nottingham NG5 1AF.
Don’t forget to tune into Notts TV News tonight at 5:30 or 6pm to hear what Paddy Tipping has to say about the cuts.
