Question
Can the Chief Constable provide his view on the potential to introduce PCSOs/Special Constables to PSNI as a means to increase visibility in local communities, particularly in light of the approach to policing of Covid-19 regulations, and also to the potential to strengthen police connections to local communities and address barriers to recruitment?
Answer
The Neighbourhood Policing Delivery Programme in which volunteering was embedded, has resumed following a pause due to the Pandemic. The Neighbourhood Proposal Paper 2019 made the following recommendations pertaining to PCSOs / Special Constables.
Recommendation 20: Explore the introduction of PCSOs (or similar role) or expanding functions such as Community Wardens in Northern Ireland through the Neighbourhood Policing Delivery Board.
Recommendation 21: Explore the introduction of Special Constables or similar types of voluntary support to Policing in Northern Ireland, through the Neighbourhood Policing Delivery Board. It is also recommended that we revisit a Cadet scheme or similar concept.
Both recommendations are allocated jointly to NIPB and PSNI. Some tentative background research was conducted under the Support to Frontline work stream; however, this work was paused in an effort to prioritise other areas of work within the Programme.
ACC Todd looks forward to continuing this conversation with the Board at the Partnership Committee.
Partnership Committee