Hampshire and IOW PCSOs numbers slashed as Eastleigh’s MP calls on Government to back community policing

The new workforce statistics showed the number of full-time equivalent PCSOs in each police force as of September 2024, compared to September 2023.

A shocking 235 PCSOs have been cut across England and Wales in that time period - with 150 officers being cut in the six months since March 2024.

Hampshire and IOW lost 18 in just 12 months - a decrease of 10.1%.

Across the South East, Hampshire and IOW has six times the rate of lost officers, to the next worse authority.

The new statistics come less than two months after the Government announced its new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which included a pledge to recruit additional PCSOs.

PCSO numbers were ruthlessly slashed under the previous Conservative government - taking over 4,500 PCSOs off the streets since 2015.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and focused on their local neighbourhoods.

Commenting, Liz Jarvis, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh said: 

“The Conservatives decimated neighbourhood policing. They ruthlessly cut community support officers who play a vital role on the frontlines, keeping our communities safe."

“I hope that the new Government will look at these figures over this period and realise that long-term backsliding cannot continue if our streets are to become safer. Proper neighbourhood policing requires more bobbies on the beat, who are genuinely engaged and well-known in the communities they serve."

“Alongside protecting officer numbers, I will continue to make the case to the Police and Crime Commissioner to finally deliver Eastleigh’s police station, which is long overdue.”