The role of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) was first established in England and Wales 20 years ago. They provide a highly visible policing presence in neighbourhoods across the country, deterring anti-social behaviour, providing reassurance, gathering intelligence and working with businesses, schools and statutory partners to keep communities safe.

 

PolicingTV was invited to film at a recent event to celebrate this 20th Anniversary, at which a number of PCSOs were recognised as outstanding in their field.

 

We spoke to those award winners over the celebratory dinner, as well as to a number of guest speakers.

 

These included the Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper MP; DCC Claire Parmenter, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Lead for Neighbourhood Policing; South Wales PCC Alun Michael, the Deputy Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners; Ben Priestley, UNISON’s national officer for policing; ACC Iain Raphael, the Director of Public Safety and Risk at the College of Policing; ACC Rachel Nolan, the NPCC National Lead for PCSOs; PCSO David Bryant of West Mercia Police; Debi Potter, the Chair of UNISON’s Police Sector Committee; and Alfie Moore, professional comedian, former police officer, and host of the PCSO 20 Year Celebratory Event.