26 September 2007

Liam asks locals residents “What are right powers for PCSOs?”

Liam Byrne MP is taking his fight for safer streets on a stage in Hodge Hill by asking local residents what powers they would like to see for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).

The Hodge Hill MP has led a long-running campaign to get the PCSOs on the streets and now he wants to see them properly equipped to make a difference.

Liam said:

“People now say that they see the police around and about a lot more. That's a big change on three years ago. Everyone knows that anti-social behaviour, speeding and drugs are blighting this area and it's not fair on the majority of good people who live around here.”

Liam, who is also a Home Office minister, added:

“We don't want to put PCSOs in danger or tie them up in paper work – so we need to get the balance of power right. But I do think there's a case for powers to identify trouble makers, and curb drinking and the curse of mini-mopeds.”

Liam's letter to local residents highlights the need to go further with bigger neighbourhood policing teams and also presses for the council, housing department, local wardens and police to listen to local residents face to face to sort out problems.