Neighbourhood policing update – strengthening our service

We are strengthening our neighbourhood policing offer so that communities continue to see a consistent, visible presence where it matters most.

Neighbourhood policing remains at the heart of what we do in keep our communities safe. Over the past year we have strengthened our local teams with 53 additional neighbourhood officers, increasing visibility in town centres, retail areas and within our communities.  We’ve also seen a reduction of 13 per cent in neighbourhood crime this year.

Following a period of formal consultation with our PCSOs and UNISON we have now confirmed a refined working pattern for our PCSOs, which will come into effect in the summer of 2026.

The updated pattern introduces two shift options with half of the PCSOs working until 7pm and the other half working until 9pm. The number of hours our PCSOs work during the week remains the same, there are no reductions to their hours. This will ensure that neighbourhood teams remain visible and accessible throughout the day and into the early evening when residents, shoppers and businesses tell us they need us the most.

This work directly supports the commitments set out in our Policing Plan including the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which promises sustained visibility, accessibility and problem-solving in every community we serve.

Neighbourhood policing has evolved significantly since the introduction of PCSOs some 20 years ago. Crime types have changed and demand now looks very different.  The new pattern will allow us to match that modern picture of demand more closely and for us to continue delivering on the priorities set out in the Policing Plan.

It’s a practical step that fits with the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee’s focus on putting officers and PCSOs where people need them the most

As part of the development of the role we will also be training our PCSOs in statement taking for crimes like shoplifting, strengthening how the whole neighbourhood policing teams work together.

Like all forces nationally, we face financial pressures and must manager our resources carefully. We have been open about our need to find £9m savings in this financial year and £11m in 2026. These proposals help us meet that responsibility without reducing visibility, compromising public confidence or limiting the support we provide to communities.

Over the coming weeks, PCSOs will receive individual one-to-ones and partners and stakeholders will be kept informed. This ensures everyone who works with us has the latest information to support their conversations with residents and local organisations.

Policing in Staffordshire remains a 24/7 service. Whatever the hour, we are here when we are needed. These adjustments help us match our people and skills aligned to our demand picture while still keeping a strong and familiar presence in neighbourhoods.