COMMUNITY support officers are celebrating 20 years od delivering neighbourhood policing this year.

On July 24 in 2002, the Police Reform Act introduced the PCSO role and they have played an “integral part” in neighbourhood policing ever since.

Police wants the anniversary to celebrate the importance of the PCSO role and “recognise the value it brings in helping to protect communities”.

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At Thames Valley Police, the first PCSOs started in Oxfordshire in 2003. They aim to deter anti-social behaviour, provide reassurance, gather intelligence and work with businesses, schools and partnership agencies to help protect communities.

PCSOs aim to have an in-depth knowledge of local areas so their familiarity with the public can help diffuse potentially threatening scenarios and alleviate tensions.

Speaking of the anniversary, Chief Constable John Campbell QPM said: “Nearly 20 years on, our PCSOs continue to make a significant contribution to policing the in the Thames Valley.

“As part of our neighbourhood policing teams, PCSOs provide frontline support by working at the heart of our communities as the face of policing within the Thames Valley.

“Our PCSOs come from all walks of life, bringing strong and diverse skillsets that enable us to build trust and confidence within our communities.

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“As Chief Constable, I would like to extend my personal thanks to all of our PCSOs for their hard work and dedication over the last two decades.”

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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