Newham Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs) are currently missing 37.7% of their Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and across London local SNTs are missing more than a quarter of their PCSOs. In addition, the number of police sergeants dedicated to each SNT is below planned numbers.
SNTs, brought in to act as dedicated local policing units, have already been cut down from the original ‘1+2+3 structure’ with one sergeant, two constables and three PCSOs in each team. Mayor Boris Johnson reduced the number of sergeants by 150 with a further 150 to go.
In Newham there are 24 fewer PCSOs than planned, across London SNTs are trying to operate with 567 fewer PCSOs than planned.
Local London Assembly member, John Biggs said “Not only has the Mayor revised down the targets for SNTs, but now he is failing to follow through on his pledge to meet even the lowered target he set.”
“In Newham SNTs are operating 37.7% below target with 24 number of PCSOs sergeants still missing.”
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