Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has added his weight to a new campaign brought by two serving PCSOs calling for the launch of a Long Service Medal for colleagues.
The new medal would be awarded to Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who successfully complete twenty years of service and would replicate the long service award already given to police officers who reach two decades of duty.
Picture credit: Rupert Matthews
The campaign has been instigated by PCSOs Peter Smith and Jo Burton, whose beat includes the Beaumont Leys area of Leicester. They have launched a national petition, which has secured hundreds of signatures. However, the PCSOs would need to secure 100,000 signatures to force the issue to be discussed in Parliament.
Offering his support to the campaign, Mr Matthews said: “Our PCSOs are the backbone of neighbourhood policing across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and are greatly valued by the public.
“Their hard work and dedication help to promote community cohesion, support the vulnerable and connect our residents and businesses with Leicestershire Police while also building resilience and strength in our neighbourhoods to prevent future harm. Police officers themselves are very grateful for the work they do in keeping the public safe.
“It makes perfect sense to me that an award is launched in honour of this fortitude and devotion, as already exists for police officers who serve for 20 years. Our PCSOs need to know they are a truly valued member of the policing family and deserve praise and recognition for making a difference to our communities.”
PCSOs were established by the 2002 Police Reform Act to connect communities with their local police force.
Their work includes a multitude of responsibilities from tackling anti-social behaviour and hate crime, building intelligence and promoting community cohesion to undertaking school and educational visits.
To sign the petition visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701023
