Extra Uniformed Police Presence for Leeds is Available Now - If the Council Will Co-operate. (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Extra Uniformed Police Presence for Leeds is Available Now - If the Council Will Co-operate.

July 15, 2003 1:35 PM

West Yorkshire Police Authority is offering extra Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to Leeds and a say over their use, if Labour will pay the price.

At tomorrow's meeting of Full Council, Cllr David Morton (Lib Dem, Headingley), Leeds' Liberal Democrat member of the West Yorkshire Police Authority (WYPA) will introduce a White Paper motion to achieve extra "feet on the beat" for Leeds.

Cllr Morton said "This year WYPA budgeted for half the costs of 200 of the new PCSO's for the County and applied to the government for the other half of the costs. Unfortunately this year the Government will only fund 100 of the new posts. Over the last 3 months the police have been negotiating with all the Councils in West Yorkshire to fund the rest of the salaries"

"These new officers have been a real hit in Leeds City Centre, where Government funding for them means they have to stay. I think there's a pressing need for a uniformed presence out on Leeds estates and suburbs. The Police Authority's offer is a cheap, quick and realistic opportunity for the Council to provide such a presence. In return for paying half the salaries, the Officers would be dedicated to the Leeds area and, subject to emergencies, could be deployed in specific locations through out the city."

"There are 100 posts up for grabs this year and the Authority is willing to negotiate about new posts next year as well. If the authority is willing to pick up half the tab for these people then Leeds City Council should talk seriously about it."

"My White Paper was specifically drawn up to avoid any party political name calling. The YEP's Life in Leeds campaign has shown up peoples concerns about crime; tomorrow we can can take a small step in the right direction."