Police Support versus Community Support
This chapter provides a detailed examination of the role of the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), to understand how and why it differs to that of the police constable in the conduct and delivery of Neighbourhood Policing. Drawing upon an extensive empirical base dating from when PCSOs were first introduced in England and Wales, it evidences how PCSOs are routinely engaged in a delicate balancing act between supporting the community and the wider policing mission. Set against the contemporary backdrop of austerity, the authors provide a critical account of the extent to which Neighbourhood Policing Teams perform effectively in different localities in terms of: public perceptions; providing a visible police presence; engaging with communities to identify their priorities; and co-producing solutions to local problems.