§ Ross CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he gives to police forces about the insignia on policy community support officers' uniforms which describes their role; and if he will make a statement. [143891]
§ Ms BlearsThe uniform and insignia worn by Community Support Officers is a matter for the Chief Officers of individual police forces. The Home Office's guidance document, available on the police reform web site, states that CSOs' uniforms should make them 'recognisable as such' so as not to confuse the public.
However, many police forces have employees who are designated as both CSOs and appointed as Traffic Wardens. In line with the Home Office circular 065/ 2002, forces have labelled these CSOs' uniforms with the word 'Traffic'.
§ Ross CranstonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase funding to the West Midlands Police for the expansion of the police community support officers for(a) 2004–05, (b) 2005–06 and (c) 2006–07; and if he will make a statement. [143913]
§ Ms BlearsBy the end of the 2003–04 financial year, the Home Office will be funding 2457 CSOs across 38 police forces. 40 of these are in the West Midlands Police area. These were provided for in the second CSO bidding round (2003–04). West Midlands Police did not put forward a bid in the first round (2002–03).
Across England and Wales, a further 454 CSOs have been funded from other sources, including 21 in the West Midlands.
In 2004–05 the West Midlands Police, along with other forces in England and Wales, will be invited to bid in a third CSO funding round. This round will provide 50 per cent of funding for salary and direct on costs.
Final decisions about funding for future years, beyond 2004–05, have yet to be taken.