Gornal News & Goings On

NEWS

Safer streets on the way? PCSO's Liz Manton and John Tighe click to enlarge Visit the PCSO site at www.national-pcsos.co.uk and download their humorous 2006 calendar! A welcome new initiative has just come into operation to reduce crime and disorder by providing a visible presence in our community. Starting from 10th September 2003, two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) have been deployed on the streets of Gornal. The aim is to provide a visible presence in communities suffering crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour. Liz Manton and John Tighe will become a familiar sight in Gornal over the coming months. As PCSOs they will have the power to confiscate tobacco and alcohol, issue certain fixed penalty notices, and demand names and addresses of people engaged in anti-social behaviour - though they will not have the power of detention. They will work with local communities to tackle low level crime such as antisocial behaviour, graffiti, abandoned cars, and broken street lighting, which the police find difficult to dedicate the necessary time towards. They will speak to and work with young people to develop opportunities for local youngsters to lessen youth offending and anti-social behaviour. Liz is from Oldbury, an ex-police officer who found the reams of paper-work to be the least interesting part of the job. In contrast, PCSO's will be out and about for around six hours of every eight. "As soon as I heard about the PCSO roles I knew it was right for me" she told Yampy. John is a born and bred Gornal chap, looking to make a real contribution to his community. We wish them both the best of luck. Dudley North MP Ross Cranston welcomed the decision that Dudley will be allocated 16 PCSO's, saying: "I know how many people in Dudley North are plagued by anti-social behaviour of one form or another. Therefore, since the Home Secretary announced that the Home Office would be spending £41 million on enabling the Police Forces to recruit more Community Support Officers, I have been pressing for some of these to be based in Dudley North. The West Midlands Chief Constable had indicated to me that there have been a number of similar demands around the region. So I am particularly delighted that Dudley North and South will have 16 of the 61 PCSOs in the Region." He continued: "The PCSOs will have a range of powers including taking action against people drinking in alcohol-free areas, dropping litter and dog fouling. Their powers will be extended once the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill becomes law when they will be able to take action to deal with graffiti and fly-posting." Councillor Les Jones, Dudley Council’s Lead Member for Community Safety, said: “Dudley has the lowest crime and second lowest disorder ratings in the West Midlands. However, I know that many communities in the borough feel threatened by crime and disorder. The Police Community Support Officers are being targeted at those communities facing the greatest difficulties. I am sure they will be extended a warm welcome by these communities and that they will make a difference to the quality of life of everyone in the borough”. Chief Superintendent Dennis Hodson of West Midlands Police, said: “The PCSOs will help make Dudley a safer place and will reduce the fear of crime mainly by their presence when carrying out high visibility uniformed patrol. However, I want them to become part of the community. Officers will be expected to build relationships with all parts of the communities they serve. They need to find ways to help communities help themselves tackle crime and disorder, as making Dudley safe requires effort from everyone.”

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