22/02/2012

Cuts in Safer Neighbourhood Team

I have described the local policing and PCSO situation as "dire" and others agree.  How else should one describe when Willesden Safer Neighbourhood Team is down to 1 PC and 1 PCSO. Some very effective PCSO's have been accepted for training at Hendon to become full police officers and we do not begrudge them extending their careers. However the result is the break up of a very effective and accessible team who will no longer have the personnel to take forward all the priorities we have established with the local community.  It is ironic that the Mayor of London's office, having drastically cut funds for policing on one hand, are recruiting potential new officers on the other. Any fuss about the potential closure of Willesden police station fades to insignificance in comparison to losing the officers themselves.