Community Support

HC Deb 11 March 2002 vol 381 cc712-3W

29. Mr. Neil Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on community support officers' role in reducing the fear of crime. [38902]

Mr. Denham

Community Support Officers, who will be employed by the police authority and will be under the command and control of the chief officer of police, will be deployed in the community and will have a vital role to play in support of the police in increasing public safety, contributing to the regeneration of their areas, and reducing the fear of crime. They will provide a visible, reassuring presence to the public, and will have sufficient powers to deal with minor disorder and antisocial behaviour.