An
extra 1,200 community support officers are being recruited into the police
force after a £41m boost in funding.
Community
support officers (CSOs) are a key part of the Government’s police reform
programme and are helping to crack down on anti-social behaviour.
There
are currently more than 1,350 CSOs in post around the country.
The
extra recruitment means the Government is on track to meet its target of 4,000
CSOs by 2005, according to home secretary David Blunkett.
"The
police cannot win the fight against crime and nuisance behaviour alone –
extending the police family will strengthen links with communities to bring
about real change in the way that we tackle local issues and engage the public
in tackling crimes that affect them the most."