The leaders of Cheshire Constabulary have marked the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Police Community Support Officers to UK policing by thanking the force’s PCSOs for all that they have done – and continue to do – to make the county an even safer place to live, work and visit.

The vital role was introduced by the Police Reform Act in July 2002.

The Metropolitan Police in London created the first PCSOs in the same year, with Cheshire being one of the first forces outside of the capital to follow suit the following year.

PCSOs have since established themselves as the cornerstones of neighbourhood policing in Cheshire, and Chief Constable Mark Roberts has marked the milestone by telling all the county’s PCSOs: "The value of our PCSOs has been demonstrated time and again – you are the very cornerstone of local policing.

"Your visibility, approachability and local knowledge is highly valued by the people we serve – we know this because it is what they tell us at every opportunity.

"Cheshire was one of the first forces to introduce PCSOs, and we remain deeply committed to having a PCSO in every community.

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"As we celebrate the past two decades, we also look forward to a future where you will continue to play a critical role in our neighbourhoods.

"On this milestone, thank you for all that you do – and will continue to do – in making Cheshire safer.”

Chief Constable Roberts met up with PCSOs at Blacon Police Station on the eve of the 20th anniversary date of Sunday 24 July 2022 to thank them in person.

The group included Hoole PCSO Keith Bartlett, who is one of only two PCSOs from Cheshire’s intake in November 2003 still working for the Constabulary.

The other is Nantwich PCSO Sharon Jones.

Warrington PCSO Darren Samuel is the only member of the Constabulary’s initial intake in March 2003 still working for the force.

Chief Constable Roberts said: “Chatting to our PCSOs at Blacon, it struck me that the length of service of three of them – Keith Bartlett (19 years), Wendy Leason (15 years) and Jo Pendrey (12 years) – underlines the difference that our PCSOs make.

“Their longevity in communities means that they are recognised and in turn they know their patch inside out.”

PCSOs have been a crucial part of policing in Cheshire throughout the past two decades.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire John Dwyer said: “PCSOs are at the heart of the community policing model and play a vital role in the police family.

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“I am delighted to mark the 20th anniversary of Police Community Support Officers, and it is the perfect opportunity to thank them for their continued hard work and dedication.

“Each of Cheshire Constabulary’s PCSOs provide a vital link between local communities and policing. Their presence offers residents reassurance and a point of contact when needed."

Chief Superintendent Peter Crowcroft, who oversees local policing and PCSOs at Cheshire Constabulary, added: “PCSOs do a fantastic job for both the force and the communities we serve, and I am sure that they will continue to do so for the next 20 years.”

Cllr Karen Shore, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, said: “PCSOs play a vital role in our community.

“They provide a key link between residents and the police service, as communities often feel more comfortable reporting issues to PCSOs which they think may be too minor to be reported to the police.

“This gives the police, the council and their partners key opportunities to address any anti-social behaviour and protect our communities.

“PCSOs help with community engagements and supporting partnership patrols and surgeries to raise awareness of crime, exploitation, community speed management and other issues.

“They are a real benefit to the running of our community, and the council will continue to support and champion their role in Cheshire West and Chester.”