Plans for five council-funded PCSOs in Dudley signed off
Ten new Police Community Support Officers are set to pound the beat in Dudley after a plan was backed by councillors.
Members of the cabinet supported a scheme which will see the council spend £750,000 on five PCSOs over three years in a joint deal with police.
The plan is part of the local authority’s 2020 financial plans and is dependent on the West Midlands match funding – creating 10 new officers.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, speaking before Thursday’s Cabinet meeting which approved the scheme, said: “I have made it a clear priority of my administration to improve the safety of our residents.
“One thing we are constantly told when we talk to people is that they don’t feel there is enough law enforcement on the streets to deter criminals.”
He added: “We are striving to make the borough a safer place to live in and visit.
“A strong, visible uniformed presence really helps towards that. This cash will help West Midlands Police put more boots on the ground patrolling our streets at the times when the public will see it and feel reassured.”
The decision comes after it was announced last month plans were in the pipeline for a new police station in Dudley town centre.
West Midlands Police are drawing up blueprints to build the base on council-owned land off Hall Street.
