Liam Byrne MP is asking local residents whether they want their local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to have more powers.

West Midlands Police has decided to arm the PCSOs with a much smaller set of powers than those which many other forces in the country have – or what the law allows.

Now the new PCSOs have started arriving in Hodge Hill, the Hodge Hill MP is asking local residents whether they want the new teams to have a stronger hand.

The move comes as the Home Office is about to launch a national debate about whether PCSOs should have the same powers in every part of the country.

Liam Byrne MP met Chief Constable Paul Scott-Lee to debate the issue last week and now plans to talk to residents every week.

Liam said:

“In my short spell as Police Minister last year, I saw what a difference neighbourhood policing teams can make and was excited about the prospect of their arrival in Hodge Hill. In part of London crime has fallen by a third, and public confidence has gone up five fold.

“Part of the PCSOs’ secret is that they achieve with influence and negotiation what others achieve with force. But in parts of the city, a few extra powers - like the power to write parking tickets or break up gangs, might make all the difference. Especially where the council has simply given up enforcing the rules on parking or rubbish.”

He added:

“I respect West Midlands Police doesn't want to put up PCSOs to do a Police Constable's job. But we've got to get the balance right. So, I think local residents should have the right to have their say.”

Email Liam to let him know your view.