WEST MIDS COPS "PUT SUPPORT OFFICERS AT RISK"

15-05-2007

An investigation by local MP Tom Watson has revealed that West Midlands Police are one of only four forces in the country to deny stab vests to Community Support Officers - even though it could be in breach of Health and Safety laws.

Watson (West Bromwich East) describes the current situation as a "postcode lottery", with 87% of PCSO's around the country being issued with the potentially life-saving equipment.

One support officer in Manchester has already been knifed in the line of duty, while in the West Midlands, the trade union Unison has already raised the issue only to have their demands for safety gear rejected by the Chief Constable.

West Midlands Police argue that the role of PCSO's is to offer a visible, reassuring presence on the streets, not deal with front-line conflict - yet they also concede that 48 have been assaulted since commencing duties in 2003.

The other forces who don't routinely issue stab vests are Greater Manchester, Surrey and another local force Staffordshire.

Watson points out that some other forces including Durham and Suffolk make wearing the protective clothing compulsory for PCSO's. Suffolk even quote the Health And Safety at Work Act of 1974, and the Police Health and Safety Act (1997).

"This opens up the possibility of West Midlands Police and Staffordshire Police facing legal proceedings in the event of a PCSO being stabbed or seriously injured," comments Watson.

"Obviously we hope that would never happen, but locally it is clear that they are potentially being put at risk".

Support Officers were introduced in 2003 and the government aims to have 16,000 in post by next year.

What's your experience of PCSO's? Are they an asset on the streets? And should they be routinely issued with stab vest? Leave a comment on the messageboard