Four PCSOs celebrate 16 years serving Dudley
Four police community support officers have been thanked for their service to the Dudley borough over the last 16 years.
It has been 16 years since the first ever police community support officers (PCSOs) joined West Midlands Police.
The roles were created to play a vital role in reassuring the public and preventing offences – with the officers patrolling in uniform to deal with street offences and anti-social behaviour.
Sixteen PCSOs walked the streets for the first time on August 18 2003 – beginning their duties at Dudley police station. And four of the original 16 continue to serve with West Midlands Police – three in the Dudley borough and one now based in Smethwick.
Julie Hickman, Nicola Tinker and Deborah Hancox have been stationed in Dudley for their entire service, while Amarjit Randhawa recently moved to Smethwick, having been based in Dudley for the bulk of his career.
Delighted
Dudley Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner said: "Our PCSOs are the absolute foundation of neighbourhood policing.
"We are delighted to recognise 16 years of dedication to our community and it says everything about the community spirit of Dudley that every one of our four PCSOs who remain from the original West Midlands Police cohort who joined in 2003 have either served in or continued to serve the people of Dudley borough."
Julie Hickman, who was one of the first recruits to join West Midlands Police, says that making a difference, helping people, and preventing and detecting crime are what has kept her in the role for more than a decade.
"The first years were exciting but came with an abundance of bridges to build and cross over," said Julie, who is currently based in Brierley Hill.
"When I first arrived I hit the ground running, however I learnt very quickly that to solve a problem was not a one man job and to deal effectively with issues blighting an area you need to tackle the root cause, by working with other people and organisations.
"Throughout my time I have been able to build amazing relationships with the partner agencies, charities and active citizens in the area. This has developed through time and now we have an excellent team of people that work together to solve issues within the community.
"I have helped care for the youngest, oldest and most vulnerable people on my patch, and have had to wear many hats besides that of a police officer − this has included leader, trainer, life saver, mental health advisor, litter picker, bag packer and chef – you name it and somewhere over the years I have been it."
Respect
While Nicola Tinker, from the Dudley Central Team, said: "A good PCSO should be embedded in their community and with time you gain the trust and respect of all the community groups.
"Stability is vital in neighbourhood policing for the public to get to know their local PCSO, who is now the modern day beat bobby.
"Helping people is the most rewarding part of the job, be it just giving directions whilst on foot patrol to saving a life. I’m lucky enough to have had a huge variety of experiences during my time as a PCSO."
Last week, the Mayor of Dudley welcomed the four to the Mayor's Parlour following a tour of the council chamber. The group talked about their experiences on the beat, their affection for the communities they serve and the rewards of the work they do.
Dudley Mayor, Councillor David Stanley, added: "I am really glad I was able to welcome the officers to the Council House. We are all aware of the important work they do and their contribution to the wider work of the West Midlands Police force.
"I know that for many people, seeing the PCSOs in their communities is really reassuring. They are friendly and approachable, professional and highly dedicated to service our local communities.
"I would like to thank them and all of the PCSOs who help to make the borough a safer place to live."
