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period of mentorship so that we can ensure their skills develop quickly. They will wear a uniform, with the Kent Police Logo upon it, albeit in a different colour. You will quickly notice that, apart from police radios, they do not carry the other equipment that Police officers carry, and that is a key
distinction.
'Their remit is to support the community, and develop relationships with both individuals, services, and businesses in the area. Once problems are identified that affect quality of life in the community, be they the anti-social behaviour that I know many of you suffer from, or illegal activity of other kinds, the PCSOs will look to the many and various ways of dealing with such issues. A fundamental part of their role is to get out there, talk to people, and tackle anti social behaviour. They will have limited powers to assist them in this aim, and a police force to support them if they feel they need extra help.
'I am convinced that the only way a community will properly tackle issues of anti-social behaviour and crime in the long term is to 'design it out', i.e. develop communities that stand up against such behaviour, work with schools, youth clubs and other forums to give young people opportunities to want to stay away from crime, and physically make crime and anti-social behaviour harder to commit through sound crime prevention
activities. A visible presence by our service using PCSOs is a small but crucial part of the solution.
'I trust that in time, akin to many of the other communities in the North Kent Police area you will appreciate the value of Peter's role and how it can benefit the community in many positive ways. Once he is through his training, his contact number will be made widely available for you to meet him. I hope you will offer him your support.'
The Parish Council is currently in discussion with the Police to see if our PCSO can have a secure office in one of our villages rather than having to work from Meopham or Dartford so that he can spend as much time as possible in the parish.
Contact number for PC Geordie Laidlow 01474 565008
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