Community policing takes first hit as cuts start

Community policing in towns like Arundel takes the first hit as police start to make cuts.

Following the announcement by Sussex Police that budget cuts could affect more than 1,000 posts, job applications by new PCSO recruits are being withdrawn.

Chief Constable Martin Richards said: "PCSOs are highly valued and are an integral part of our organisation. They deliver public-facing policing and, alongside other neighbourhood colleagues, are at the heart of the local communities we serve.

"As with police officer recruits, and in line with a number of other police forces, we have had to assess the likelihood of being able to progress these applications. We remain dedicated to local policing, but know we are unlikely to be able to employ as many new PCSO recruits in the foreseeable future."

The force is in the process of contacting 116 people to tell them their applications to be PCSOs have been withdrawn. Forty-seven people from the recruitment pool will be told they are being retained. These have been prioritised on the basis of their skills, experience and geographical location, to retain a spread of candidates across the county who can fill posts as and when the need arises.

Chief Constable Richards continued: "These people will be incredibly disappointed and I would like to thank them for their desire to join Sussex Police and their commitment they have already shown. I hope they understand this situation is not of our making and I would urge them to reapply once we re-open the door for recruitment. Unfortunately at this time I cannot say when this will be."